Residents of Jawalla, in Region Seven, are concerned that the community might have a potential COVID-19 outbreak after persons began experiencing symptoms of the virus a few days after a major three-day gathering was held in the community.
According to a resident, who did not want to be named, the gathering occurred some two weeks ago with over 300 persons from surrounding communities, including Waramadong, which recently recorded multiple cases of the virus. The majority of the attendees were elderly persons and it was alleged that persons did not adhere to any of the precautionary measures, such as physical distancing.
So far only one person chose to get tested for the virus and their results returned positive. The patient was isolated and is currently recovering from the virus. Stabroek News was told that the patient experienced symptoms of the virus, including loss of taste and smell, which resulted in her choosing to get tested although she did not attend the gathering.
Prior to the gathering, testing was done in the community but all results returned negative. But during that same time, one of the participant communities had recorded over 100 COVID-19 cases.
As a result of the one person testing positive for the virus, several residents have said that they believe that the virus is circulating in the community but no one is taking the situation seriously despite it being raised.
Another resident, who did not want to be named, said when she heard that such a large gathering was held, she knew that it would not be safe and did not go. However, a few days later, she said, persons began complaining that they were not feeling well and had symptoms similar to COVID-19.
It was also stated that villagers are not taking the virus seriously and do not want to get tested. “I’m disappointed in my people because from the jump I felt so unsafe and no one is taking this seriously and they think they have their ‘blow’ cure but I don’t think some of them know about the symptoms to even know if they have it…. And they don’t want to take tests,” she said.
