WILLEMSTAD--Epidemiologist Izzy Gerstenbluth announced on Thursday that there were no known new COVID-19 cases in Curaçao, even though the one with an inconclusive test result is being treated as positive. The official count is still at fourteen infections, while twenty residents are still being monitored because they returned home from abroad after incoming travel had been halted.
Gerstenbluth indicated that there is no major local spread. However, there are a few infections, “so we cannot open completely at once. No country was prepared for this. Everyone has the same problems, especially the care capacity.”
“What must be done before we can relax further? We must scale up the care capacity [so that – Ed.] we have a backup for when things get out of hand. That must be organised before we can relax the measures further, even opening the borders.”
The doctor also said that there should be enough kits to keep testing people. The systems must be adapted to be alert to the coronavirus, including general practitioners: they must be trained in this.
“This should all be in order before you start thinking about opening the borders. Data collection has been improved and infections are better identified.
“The measures must be relaxed step by step, to immediately see what effects this has. As a country we all look for the best way to deal with this; it is trial and error,” the expert added.
“We have no indication that the number of infections in Curaçao is now increasing. A large group is training healthcare professionals to take tests because there is a chance that the virus will come back. We are now prepared, but keep in mind that the virus may return to the island. We think it is under control now, hence today’s easing.
“Our medical services must be restored to relieve people. Consultations are being held with the hospital to do this. We hope that the outpatient clinics can open again on Monday and that care will start again for 50 per cent. This will be built up slowly, as care is resumed step by step. It also depends on the materials available, as not all of them are in stock due to the coronavirus crisis. Psychologists and physiotherapists must also be able to report as soon as possible because this has a major effect on society.”
Finally, Gerstenbluth explained that it will be all done in a different way, as social distancing still applies. This means that patients cannot just go to the doctor, they must call first or make digital contact.
Inhabitants may now exercise and walk, jog or cycle outside individually during a total of five hours per day, from 6:00am to 9:00am and 6:00pm to 8:00pm.
Health stores, garden maintenance outfits and pool cleaning companies may resume operations. However motorists can still only be on the road two days per week, depending on their vehicle number plates.
Prime Minister Eugene Rhuggenaath issued the following message: “We entered into this struggle to save our lives a couple of weeks ago together. And we have achieved this with an exceptional sense of community and patriotism, and through our willingness to work together as one! Let this be motivation for us to continue for just a little while longer.”
“We are not yet out of the crisis. For just a little while longer, let us continue to stay home. Let us keep giving each other two metres of space if we absolutely need to go out for a quick errand. And let us keep washing our hands!
“If we stick to the rules, we will soon be able to apply less strict rules in order to limit the socio-economic impact. Because that is also our goal: to return to a different rhythm of life in a responsible and safe manner.
“Saving lives was our first challenge, but we are now also fighting for the well-being and livelihoods of everyone in the country.”
