Entrepreneurs from different corners of the globe, including Curaçao, have joined forces in partnership to take on a global initiative, combining medical, technological and strategic workforce perspectives into account to remedy and support an ever-growing demand for mitigating the risks involved in our new COVID-19 realities.
The consortium consists of Cohortias (Mexico), a trusted and reliable clinical research organization (CRO), Azure8 (USA), a reputed medical device company specialized in COVID-related devices and equipment, Aeffect International (Netherlands and Curaçao), a strategic workforce company with the ability to locally execute large-scale people-related operations, and ITS Caribbean & Latin America (Curaçao) a Smart Mobility advisor and solution provider.
The intent and purpose of the joint collaboration is to remove or lessen the burden held by both private and public entities in their adjustments to much-needed measures in the fight for protection against the novel virus. According to the consortium, the best and only way to avoid quarantines upon arrival and build on a solid method to contain and monitor the virus is through intensive scheduled testing on visitors, people on the frontline and in the end, all citizens. The tests have been thoroughly evaluated out of more than 50 groups of tests based on validity and accuracy (sensitivity and specificity statistics).
“We have chosen a CE registered test with a sensitivity of 100 per cent and a specificity of 99.22 per cent, considered highly accurate and promising”, says Vipula Tailor, founder and CEO of Azure8. “This scheduled testing protocol combined with personal protection measures, distancing and adjustment of air treatment and ventilation systems should mitigate pressure on the healthcare system.”
“Specific to this case, we are providing an attractive alternative solution to the existing mandated quarantine in some countries including Curaçao, which could grant the government freedom and assurance to open borders urgently but safely. Visitors and tourists will contribute collaboratively into a negligible fee which in turn will welcome a happier and safer traveller. By the same token, residents and the populace of Curaçao will also feel safer and more comfortable, knowing that island visitors are tested upon arrival, throughout their stay and finally at departure, creating a safe, vigilant and enjoyable environment for everyone,” says Dr. Martin Hernandez Torre of Cohortias.
The overall medical and operational coordination and management of protocol is headed by the reputed Dr. Martin Hernandez Torre and the operational protocol conducted by CEO Martijn Wallert. Azure-8 with Vipula Tailor would oversee and coordinate the entire supply chain with local authorities and organizations such as Hato Airport and other relevant stakeholders. Aeffect International’s Hans Plesman would spearhead the local execution together with a team of residents working for the company. ITS and Luigi Scutto will provide technological support for tourists and caretakers by developing an application.
The solution will be entirely customizable based on client needs, introducing a COVID-19 Travel Passport to accommodate visitors, keep record of their scheduled testing, providing useful travel advice on hygiene, distancing, the COVID-19 virus, emergency contact information on the island, and locations of testing facilities. Persons for whom an app is not an option could use a traditional paper booklet as an alternative.
The solution is based on a well-constructed medical and operational protocol that will be tailored to guidelines provided by the well-known RIVM and TNO of the Netherlands.
Nick Miro
Project Manager at Aeffect International
