Active COVID-19 cases in Region Ten have significantly decreased, dropping from over 150 to 11, and this is a result of a collaborative effort by residents and officials to curtail the spread of the virus, Regional Chairman Deron Adams has said.
For months Region Ten managed to keep the number of COVID-19 cases to a minimum but during the latter part of 2020 this changed as the region began detecting COVID-19 cases at a fast rate. Hopeful that they would be able to contain the outbreak before the yearend, regional officials launched a ‘Wear a mask for Christmas’ drive and a sensitisation campaign. They also implemented stricter enforcement of the COVID-19 measures but according to Adams, all this would not have worked if residents hadn’t decided to cooperate and adhere to the COVID-19 preventative measures in place.
Although the Christmas season is known for large gatherings, Adams noted, many people were cognizant of the COVID-19 situation in the region was in and adhered to the guidelines and measures in place to protect them from the virus.
“They were doing their shopping but they were adhering and business persons were enforcing protocols as business places were only allowing certain amounts in the supermarket and other businesses. Whenever someone leaves only then would another couple persons be allowed to go in, so the business community must be commended for the role that they played,” he said.
He recalled his own experience in a small cellphone store and stated that the same system was in place whereby all protocols had to be followed in order to enter the store. “I believe that this also contributed to the decrease in cases,” he said.
In December, he said, the cases were no doubt spiraling out of control and it is actually a surprise that they have managed to contain the outbreak in a three-week period.
“I am happy. It shows the people of Region 10 are listening; they are taking advice and we’re happy for that but we will want to continue encouraging them to practice the protocols so that we can be COVID-19 free again,” he said.
Adams told Stabroek News yesterday that three weeks ago the region had over 150 active COVID-19 cases but today the number stands at 11. Communities currently affected include Kwakwani, Amelia’s Ward, Christiansburg, Campbell City and Wismar Housing Scheme. He revealed that only one of the positive cases is in institutional isolation.
Speaking on plans for the future, Adams said that the region will continue to enforce COVID-19 measures and distribute Personal Protective Gear (PPE) to health centres and other groups.
