Caring more about power than protecting residents from the coronavirus

Dear Editor,

It is my opinion that as each day passes, the chances of the numbers of COVID-19 cases will continue to get worse and rise in Region 10, if the leaders of aren’t fully committed to the task at hand. The two cases identified so far in the region were infected in the same vicinity – less than ten miles from where I am living.

Like every Guyanese and everyone in the world, we began to worry about our families, especially our older folks, and their safety in the face of an unknown predator called Coronavirus. Even in the best of times, it’s hard to know how our families are doing wherever they are. Can one imagine what is happening now?

As we start wonder about our own safety, what measures are being taken, particularly by our regional leaders, to safeguard residents from the spread of this virus in the various communities?
We all have a clear understanding of what the CDC recommended to all citizens, to prevent spreading the virus. However, as far as I know, Region 10 leaders have not outlined a comprehensive Outbreak Prevention Plan that every person in the region can adhere to.

In response to unprecedented demand and severe disruptions to the global supply chain, the RDC should have already established a supply working group to streamline procurement of critical items such as Examination Gloves, Surgical gloves, Protective goggles, Face Shields, Particulate respirator masks and surgical masks
Procurement of these critical items must be centralized, with transactions undertaken by a named group of inter-agency buyers operating at regional level in response to regional demand. The list must be subject to continual review and must be updated accordingly. Requests for supply of the abovementioned items must be consolidated at the Regional level through COVID-19 coordination mechanisms which must involve all local businesses and vendors,
Priority for PPE provision must be given to health care workers treating critical and severe COVID-19 patients only, if shortages continue.

Our leaders need to establish comprehensive package of technical guidance online, with advice to all residents on how to detect, test and manage potential cases, based on what was known about the virus at the time. This guidance must be shared with the education department and teachers who are presently sharing schoolwork to our children daily via parent chat groups. All homes in region 10 will have the same information at all times.

As it is right now, the region is all over the place with regards to COVID-19 information and updates.
Based on experience with SARS and MERS and known modes of transmission of respiratory viruses, infection and prevention control guidance were published to protect health workers recommending droplet and contact precautions when caring for patients, and airborne precautions for aerosol-generating procedures conducted by health workers.
Every establishment that you visit has different procedures and guidelines as it relates to the Coronavirus. The precaution and prevention measures put in place vary from place to place and store to store. We must establish consistent practices across the regions.

I am deeply concerned, both by the alarming levels of spread and severity, and by the alarming levels of inaction by persons daily in the streets and stores in region 10. I know we live in a globalized, urbanized and connected world where people and goods are constantly on the move. These movements amplify the threats to our very health from infectious hazards such as the Coronavirus

We all know that the coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that are known to cause illnesses ranging from common cold to more severe diseases
Region 10 residents are every bit as exposed to the COVID-19 pandemic and its economic side effects as Guyanese across this country. Many small businesses, contractors, vendors are forced to close, but are unable to work from home. There are those who operate business at night who are going through unbearable stress.

The APNU+AFC caretaker leadership’s conservatism is undermining not only their response to COVID-19 economic consequences, but also the public health crisis itself, as hospitals, health care facilities and health workers are suffering from the shortage of basic PPE items.

Our health care workers are also left stranded on many occasions to and from work, because our transportation sector is not educated enough on the COVID -19 pandemic. Even though a regional plan is not established for all to see and follow, our Health Ministry and services have issued advice on how to help keep ourselves and loved ones healthy, including committing to practicing good handwashing techniques and following social distancing rules.

Even in our own homes we must sanitize high touch surfaces such as door handles, knobs, telephones, remote controls, light switches. There are others that have to be done twice daily such as bed rails, washrooms, and toilet flush handles.

As an individual, you can contribute to helping stop the spread of the coronavirus by staying at home if you’re unwell and working from home if you can. Action starts with learning the facts about the virus, and the health measures we can take to keep ourselves safe. We can all better protect ourselves and those around us.

You can test your knowledge on the virus and learn how we can all be safe and responsible, I encourage all parents to get your children involved and create your own Outbreak Prevention Plan at home
Our health as individuals is only as strong as our health care system. Only by investing in more doctors, nurses, hospitals, and health care centres can we reduce the risk of viruses like COVID-19 causing harm to all in the future. The risk is particularly high for people living in our low income communities. A lack of strong health care puts more lives at risk.

At this time, I would like to thank some of the local suppliers and vendors who heeded the call of giving back to the communities, by donating valuable PPE equipment to residents
We have a life-changing and dreadful virus to deal with, and our caretaker leadership is focused on power rather than the people’s welfare. Let’s stand together and beat this coronavirus.

Sincerely,
David Adams