Following an assessment of the COVID-19 situation in Moraikobai, Region Five, by regional and government officials yesterday, a 6 pm to 6 am curfew was imposed on the community which currently has 33 confirmed active COVID-19 cases.
No other restrictions were imposed.
However, Region Five Chairman, Vickchand Ramphal, emphasised that travel to and from the community is not advisable at this point unless it is an emergency because of the expected increase of COVID-19 cases in the community.
Regional officials along with representatives from the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs and the Ministry of Health, yesterday held a meeting with leaders and other influential members of the community – teachers, religious leaders, and healthcare workers – to discuss the COVID-19 situation.
During the meeting, it was pointed out that many persons were not adhering to the national COVID-19 guidelines and preventative measures. Ramphal said they were told that no one was adhering to the national curfew and were gathering at bars which are usually opened past the national curfew hours.
He noted that the police were briefed and it was a result of this that the decision was made to impose a 6 pm to 6 am curfew which came into effect last night. He added that the possibility of a lockdown was not discussed as it is hoped that the residents can be convinced to adhere to the measures by being educated about the virus.
Ramphal informed that the Region has donated 1,200 masks and sanitisers to the community and this will be distributed by the health team and village leaders today. In addition, the team will be visiting each household to educate them about the virus and the measures while distributing the items.
“Right now our main aim is to work with the community and we want to have their collaboration in fighting this pandemic together. We don’t want to impose so that’s why we had an engagement with leaders of the community,” he explained before disclosing that the Toshao was absent from the meeting and this was another area of concern as it was felt that he should’ve been present to discuss the issues in the community.
He added that the healthcare workers in the community have reported that residents are reluctant to get swabbed but after the discussion he believes that they will be more cooperative with health officials.
Regarding other possible restrictions, Ramphal opined that once the residents cooperate with the authorities and adhere to the COVID-19 measures, the number of cases in the village will decrease.
Ramphal noted that all of the attendees at the meeting participated fully and he believes that the objective of their visit to the community was achieved.
He stressed, however, that the decrease in COVID-19 cases lies on the shoulders of residents who must be responsible and adhere to all COVID-19 measures. He assured that the regional administration will give its full support if so required.
Meanwhile, during yesterday’s COVID-19 update, Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony yesterday pleaded with Moraikobai residents to give their full cooperation and assist the health team who are there to help stem the spread of the virus.
In addition, he stated that although many persons may be asymptomatic, there are some who will be vulnerable to the disease and these cases need to be detected early so that death may be avoided.
Striking a note of optimism, he added, “We require the collaboration of the key people who have the influence and the residents generally and hopefully now that there are so many cases and they will be more cooperative.”
A health team along with members of the joint services were deployed to Moraikobai yesterday after the community recorded 33 positive cases earlier this week. Since its presence in the community, the virus has claimed the lives of two elderly residents.
