The update given by the Aspen Medical International (AMI) team in a national briefing with Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labour VSA Richard Panneflek on the current impact of COVID-19 (see related story) proved helpful. For one thing, it is good to know the US medics with their equipment made available by the Netherlands are still here and assisting local professionals in dealing with this second surge as planned.
But perhaps more importantly, the public was reassured that while 11 patients are hospitalised and two in isolation, several have been successfully cared for and even sent back home or out of the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) to lower care facilities. The team also made clear that COVID-19 is not a death sentence and the few persons getting extremely sick usually suffer from other underlying health problems that play a key role in their condition.
Of course, efforts must be made to stop the continued rise of infections also because there is a limit to how many cases can responsibly be accommodated at St. Maarten Medical Center (SMMC). But it does appear that the severity of the current outbreak in terms of symptoms might be bit less than the first time around.
Nevertheless, frequently washing and regularly sanitising hands, social distancing and wearing a face mask where that is difficult remain very much in order, to prevent the worst. At any rate, for now it seems those who do fall ill are in capable hands.
