(Trinidad Express) Lurking among gatherings of people, there can be a super-spreader of the Covid-19 virus, who can transmit the virus exponentially to large numbers of the population.
Dr Avery Hinds Technical Director in the Epidemiology Division at the Ministry of Health, said that as the country moves into Phase Two of the lifting of restrictions there will be more citizens will be out in public, and there should be continued vigilance in their practices to prevent infection.
“As we increase the ability of people to interact and congregate. We do have the risk of super spreaders – someone who goes into a place where there isn’t enough social distancing, not enough barrier protection and those persons can infect several people around who can go on to infect additional persons in large numbers. So we go from one case to 16, then 256, and ongoing”, he said.
Dr Hinds said that the public should not delude themselves to think there were no Covid-19 virus cases existing among the population.
“One of the main concerns is that although we have not seen any positive cases of coronavirus in more than two weeks, we will not delude ourselves to believe that there is no possibility of any case anywhere in the population. The measures that have been in place to prevent persons from coming in contact with one another are the measures that we are now rolling back. Those measures have been protecting the population from the potential of spread of unknown cases. As we roll those measures back there is the possibility that anyone who has mild illness wandering around the population can wander into a crowded space, such as a small business place without good ventilation, lines where people are less than six feet apart – these are the concerns that keep us up at night”, he said.
Dr Hinds said the Ministry of Health continued to encourage people with flu-like symptoms to come forward for testing of the Coronavirus.
“We have been very vigilant in our testing. We are encouraging persons with any kind of viral illness to come into health facilities for testing so that we don’t miss new cases. A new case means a whole new case of tracing and isolation, quarantine, etc.
He pointed out that threat of carrying the virus between households is still very real.
Dr Michelle Trotman, Thoracic Medical Director at Caura Hospital, who came to podium wearing a mask, reiterated that the mask now was an important piece of clothing to be worn.
“Three things – sanitize, stay apart and wear a mask. I thanked the health care workers, and I also thank the population for all they have done. We want you to allow us to continue – sanitize, separate and wear a mask”, she said. “Wear a mask. Think about all the Carnival parties and let’s wave corona away. I get excited (about masks) because I colour co-ordinate. Use your jersey if you do not have one to cover your mouth and your face.”
