On Thursday Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Sharon Belmar George sounded the alarm to the possibility of the Omicron variant’s presence in the country. The CMO noted within the last 7 days a total of 308 cases were confirmed and noted there was “urgent” need to strenghten public health measures. Below is her statement.
URGENT ALERT FOR THE STRENGTHENING OF PUBLIC HEALTH MEASURES
During the last 7 days, the Ministry of Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs have diagnosed a total of 308 cases in country, with over 300 active cases presently. Although we have not confirmed the presence of the Omicron Variant in country through gene sequencing, the transmission rate and disease profile suggest it may already be present in country. This has the potential to affect health and safety and work place productivity.
The Ministry of Health alerts all sectors on the urgent strengthening of all public health measures to reduce the possible impact over the next few weeks.
We remind you of the following important measures:
– Avoid large meetings, crowded activities and social gatherings
– Ensure the protocols are maintained at all work places and sectors, on minibuses and commercial and tourism sector, gyms, hardware stores, supermarkets and recreational activities
– Ensure safe physical distancing for face to face meetings and activities
– Use of face mask when in public places
– Ensure regular cleaning of surfaces and sanitation of all business establishments and environments
– Ensure you remain in quarantine or isolation if you were a direct contact of a case or a member of your household is positive
– Limit social activities at work
– If you develop respiratory symptoms which includes cough, sore throat, runny nose, headache, fatigue, loss of sense of smell and taste and diarrhea and vomiting, seek medical care and avoid contact with others.
– Encourage vaccination of employees The Ministry of Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs will continue to strengthen the health system in order to manage this fifth wave of COVID-19 in country.
