PAHO advises government not to relax COVID-19 measures
− find middle ground between lives and livelihoods for best results – PAHO/WHO rep.
DPI, Guyana, Friday, April 17, 2020
The Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) has advised the government to maintain stringent emergency measures to contain local transmission of COVID-19.
During a virtual meeting on Friday, PAHO/WHO Country Representative Dr. William Adu-Krow noted that the measures implemented were necessary to respond to the emerging situation.
PAHO/WHO country representative Dr. William Adu-Krow
“The measures that have been put in place are working, the measures that individuals are also taking, putting up themselves to do their part is also working. We need to ensure national measures are enforced so that the few who do not go by those measures they are made to comply,” he stated.
The official acknowledged that there were other considerations.
“It is understood that we are fighting for people’s lives and we are fighting for people’s livelihoods, and we have to find a middle ground … and it is that middle point that is key and I am hoping we all come together to do what it is necessary.”
In a detailed presentation, Dr. Adu-Krow noted that the projected number of COVID-19 cases would only occur if nothing was done to contain the transmission. And with measures already in place, Guyana is below the average projection of cases.
“On April 15, 295 cases were projected; we had only 55. That means 240 persons were spared. A lot is happening with the measures that have been put in place, and I think we need to also ensure that they are accepted by the population.”
He also reminded individuals of their responsibility to take the necessary precautions to protect themselves from possibly contracting the virus.
“Let us continue the social distancing, the physical distancing, the sneeze and cough etiquette, staying at home, if you don’t have anywhere to go don’t go out. Let’s do the right thing so we can flatten the curve as early as possible so that we can go back to our lives,” Dr. Adu-Krow urged.
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