PAHO works to manage spread of COVID-19

One leading regional health official believes that there is a good possibility of stopping transmission of COVID-19 in the Caribbean.

This comment was made by PAHO/WHO Representative, Barbados and Eastern Caribbean Countries, Dr. Yitades Gebre after a presentation of personal protective equipment (PPE) to the Barbados Defence Force (BDF) at PAHO headquarters yesterday.

He added that what is occurring in those countries in the next two weeks is very important especially if there are secondary cases from the imported cases of novel Coronavirus.

Although there are currently over 190 000 cases and over 7 800 deaths in over 150 countries due to the COVID-19 outbreak, Dr. Gebre explained that most of the cases reported in the region have been imported and sporadic. He said the only exception is Jamaica where there is more local transmission as well as sporadic.

At PAHO, the PAHO/WHO representative said that in a special meeting area, he and his team would meet with the various Ministry of Health officials and medical officers in Barbados and Eastern Caribbean to assess their COVID-19 situation.

According to PAHO (live) data, there are 5818 cases of COVID-19 and 92 deaths in the Americas and Caribbean with 70 per cent of the cases occurring in the United States. He said that in the other countries there is the limited transmission of the virus.

Earlier, Dr. Yitades Gebre made a presentation of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to Chief of Staff of the Barbados Defence Force (BDF), Colonel Glyne Grannum. The military head said that he appreciated the equipment which is a timely donation. The equipment included goggles, masks and overalls.

In his remarks, Dr. Gebre said that it is important for the Ministry of Health and others to make sure that preparedness continues.

“So far we have only two cases in Barbados, this does not mean our work (is done), in fact, it is just starting,” said Dr. Gebre.