‘May 4 should not be considered as a local victory over the COVID-19’ |24 April 2020
Dr Gedeon and Dr Louange during the press conference yesterday (Photo: Thomas Meriton)
Monday May 4, the scheduled date to lift the temporary ban, or prohibition on the movement of people around the country, should not be considered as a triumph over the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic locally as the level of risks is still real, despite joint effort by the authority and members of the public.
Public Health Commissioner Dr Jude Gedeon made the statement yesterday afternoon during his routine press conference to update members of the public on the situation of the COVID-19 in the country. He was accompanied by the chief executive of the Health Care Agency, Dr Danny Louange.
Until yesterday, out of the 11 initial cases, six patients have fully recovered and transferred from the isolation centre at the Perseverance Family Hospital to the Berjaya Beau Vallon Bay Resort quarantine facility, while the remaining five patients are convalescing well under close observation and regular tests.
Other than the six recovered patients, the quarantine facility at the Berjaya Beau Vallon Bay Resort has no other occupants, while the same facility at the Maison Football at Roche Caïman is vacant.
Dr Gedeon explained that yesterday was the 17th day after the eleventh, or last case was registered in the country, a timeframe which exceeds the virus’ “incubation period” – the time between catching the virus and beginning to have symptoms of the disease.
Most estimates of the incubation period for COVID-19 range from 1-14 days, most commonly around five days.
The Public Health Commissioner clarified that it is not certain that the country is free of asymptomatic cases.
In medicine, a disease is considered asymptomatic if a patient is a carrier for a disease or infection but experiences no symptoms, while a condition might be asymptomatic if it fails to show the noticeable symptoms with which it is usually associated.
He also explained that due to the fact that our commercial sea ports are open, there is still a great risk of contamination, despite the essential safety procedures.
Incoming cargo through the airport is also considered as risk factor, even if the chance is minimal, further explained Dr Gedeon.
Patients who have tested positive are also a risk as they may contaminate the health workers who in return can pass on the virus to their families and communities.
Dr Gedeon also made it clear that once the different countries re-open their borders, there will be an inflow of people into the country, including returning residents, migrant workers as well as tourists, and this he said, will require the appropriate process, in order to minimise the risks, or to better contain the situation in case of infections.
He explained that the different measures would not be an overnight thing, but rather a gradual process, involving all agencies and bodies directly linked.
In terms of local habitual, Dr Gedeon said there should be a change of mindset and habits, all in line with preventive measures against the COVID-19.
He noted that social distancing should remain a key element in the daily doings, while business owners, service providers, as well as other bodies, including ministries and public departments should adjust their services to fit the requirements and the different plans and measures that will be tabled.
Roland Duval