EDITORIAL: Plan and prepare
As the number of COVID-19 cases seem to be on the decline, it is imperative that Barbadians continue to follow the various protocols that are in place, to ensure that we do not have a repeat of the figures we saw in early January 2021, when there was the outbreak at the prison and across the island persons, young and old, were testing positive.
The latest figures show that just over 100 persons are in isolation, and the positivity rate is well below four per cent, an improvement from the days when it was soaring over seven per cent. However, while we are thankfully that fewer persons are testing positive on a daily basis, one has to wonder if the reduction in cases is on account of the measures bearing fruit, or if persons are more in the vaccine mode as suggested by one health official, and not coming forward as before to be tested. We suppose that the proof will be in the pudding, if steps are taken to reopen the country even more when the current directive expires on April 11. That is certainly likely, given that we have been told that schools are to reopen on April 20. Now while one no doubt encourages efforts to stimulate the economy even more, we cannot be foolhardy, and must ensure that a measured approach is the order of the day.
Certainly businesses like gyms, which remain closed, can operate on a system like salons and spas, where persons would book to come and use the facilities, to control the numbers and ensure that persons are properly physically distanced, as mask wearing may be difficult while exercising. We may again see beaches opening all day and persons being allowed to have gatherings, should that happen, it will be vital for the authorities to be even more vigilant to ensure that persons are wearing their masks and physically distancing as they should.
One has to especially make these points considering that only approximately 11 per cent of the population has been vaccinated. While that is considerably better than some of the other countries in the Caribbean, we can take no solace in that, as we are still far away from achieving herd immunity – a must if this country is to get back to any semblance of “normal”, and see our main economic earner, tourism, begin to rebound.
The country has been told that from today, the vaccination programme should recommence, thanks to the 33 600 vaccines we received on Tuesday from the COVAX facility. That is still not enough and it is certainly hoped that the other “irons in the fire” that Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley spoke about recently in relation to acquiring additional vaccines, materialise sooner rather than later.
It is hoped too that as the national vaccine programme restarts, that it is conducted in a more efficient fashion than was previously done. We well remember the overwhelming response to the programme, where persons, without appointments, turned up at the various polyclinics and vaccination sites to get the jab. This resulted in long lines at these facilities and many persons complained that some of those with appointments, were being overlooked in favour of persons who just walked in. A repeat of this would be unfortunate, especially considering that we were informed only recently that near 10 000 persons who had previously registered, including those over 70 and those 18 to 69 with non-communicable diseases, are still awaiting their jabs. Communication is key, and so it is equally important, that the authorities are starting to make contact with those who received the first dose and are set to get the second dose starting April 17, so that they know when and where to go when that time comes. We have heard the overseas reports that a significant number of persons are not returning for their second shot, which puts their health and their countries’ goals of achieving herd immunity at risk, and we do not want that for Barbados.