– after two persons there tested COVID-19 positive

THE Region 10 Regional Health and Emergency Committee (RHEC) is in the process of tracking persons who have been in contact with the two Lindeners who have been diagnosed with the Coronavirus (COVID-19).

This disclosure was made by the Regional Health Officer (RHO), Dr Pansy Armstrong. In a statement on Thursday, Dr Armstrong said an investigation revealed that both of the COVID-19 patients were in contact with mutual associates. It was found too that the COVID-19 patients, unaware that they had the virus, had been in contact with other persons.

As such, Dr Armstrong is appealing to anyone who may have had contact with either of the two individuals over the past two weeks to immediately self-quarantine. This, she said, is because there is a possibility that they are infected.

The RHO said that the first victim had visitors from overseas who came for a funeral while the second victim is related to a known associate of the first victim. She said that this appeal is as a result of the region’s continued proactive approach in ensuring that there is contact tracing. She noted that contact tracing is pivotal in seeking to curtail the disease and the potential spread of the disease in Region 10 and beyond.

“What we are aware of is that both individuals were infected by a known associate of them and there is a possibility that others may have been infected,” the RHO said while adding that “we are appealing to those persons to immediately self-quarantine themselves at home to protect their families and others, who they may have or meets”[sic].

The RHO declared that she is appealing to anyone within the region who is demonstrating signs and symptoms of COVID 19 to immediately contact the hotline numbers listed: 444-3007, 444-6127 and 444-6137 where they will speak to a public health nurse or a doctor. “Let me say, do not visit any health facilities, call the hotline and someone will reach out to you,’ she reminded residents.

She added, “As it is widely known that there is no known cure for COVID 19, but if the medical personnel within the region are made aware of your situation, then immediate medical attention and assistance can be rendered.”

She also said that the general public should take the current situation seriously, warning that the region and, by extension, the Ministry of Public Health, continues to be aggressively disseminating information regarding the disease. As such, the required measures and guidelines should be followed. “As your RHO, I am personally appealing to everyone to follow the instructions as it is only way of keeping us safe. Remember social distancing, wash your hands regularly and wear your mask when you are out; we must and should follow the guidelines to stay safe,” she warned.