The recent increase of COVID-19 cases in Region Ten is a result of persons continuing to disregard COVID-19 preventative measures, including infected persons who are refusing to adhere to isolation protocols, Regional Chairman Deron Adams has said.
Recent spikes in the number of infections have been seen in the region and up to yesterday it had recorded a total of 453 COVID-19 cases. In an interview with Sunday Stabroek yesterday, Adams said that the two main COVID-19 hotspots in the Region are Amelia’s Ward and Ituni and he added that he has been observing that many persons are operating as though everything is back to normal. He stated just yesterday he observed persons gathered in large groups without masks.
“I was on the road just now and observed that some of the people don’t have on masks and they are operating as though everything is normal and I believe that this will result in the situation going out of control and more cases will be expected even after the holidays. But we will continue to push and use media platforms to encourage residents to follow the guidelines but the current increase is of concern to us,” he said. Adams also noted that there are persons in the region who tested positive for COVID-19 but they refuse to believe that they are infected with the virus and have also been refusing to isolate themselves. In one instance, he said, a policeman who tested positive for the virus in Ituni was asked to home-isolate but he refused to do so and was seen walking around in the community during that period. This issue has since been dealt with.
He noted that another contributory factor to the increase in cases is that businesses and other places of work have not put proper systems in place to allow workers to officially submit documentation for sick leave remotely.
“Now there has to be some system in place. If you flag me and I tested positive, let me send in my document electronically or something…. Systems have to be put in place to utilize technology to prevent persons from being in further contact with anyone else,” he added.
The Regional Chairman subsequently revealed that they have embarked on a ‘Wear a mask for Christmas’ campaign and they have since begun sharing masks and encouraging persons not to leave their homes unless it is absolutely necessary. He noted that the health minister advised him to continue with the campaign as cases are increasing at a fast rate.
