Chief Medical Officer, Dr. The Most Honourable Kenneth George, has reiterated his call for Barbadians to protect the most vulnerable among them, after the island recorded 10 COVID-19 deaths between June 10 and 23.
There were 419 new COVID cases from 1,301 tests as indicated by the most recent COVID-19 statistics, which reflect a positivity rate of 33 per cent. But the Chief Medical Officer explained that the fatalities also included a number of community-based deaths.
“As the public is aware, we share information on a two-weekly basis with members of the public. We are aware there has been an increase in deaths, not only deaths at Harrison Point but also deaths within the community. We still do COVID testing for some community-based deaths which cannot be explained, and some of those come back positive.
“What we are noticing, however, is that the pattern has not changed and the persons most likely to have poor outcomes and deaths remain the elderly, those with chronic diseases, including kidney disease, heart disease and hypertension. The more non-communicable diseases you have, and if you are also elderly, they create additional dynamics,” stated Dr. George.
He further added that those persons who are vulnerable should assess their situation and take the appropriate measures, including mask-wearing.
The CMO said that returning to widespread use of masks and social distancing was not an option, at this point in time, since COVID-19 is no longer considered a global public health emergency.
However, he said Barbadians needed to heed the call to be more personally responsible for their health, and to look out for “their fellow man”. Additionally, he urged those who test positive for COVID-19 to remain in isolation for seven days.
The Chief Medical Officer said the Ministry of Health and Wellness would continue to monitor the COVID situation, as he reminded the public that the viral illness “has not gone away”.