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Top Cop: Cyclist Who Fired Bullets Did Not Attack Police Station

BASSETERRE, St. Kitts (Friday 20th March 2020) – A motorcyclist who earlier this week fired several shots in the vicinity of the Basseterre Police Station did not attack the station itself, according to Assistant Commissioner of Police with responsibility for the Crime Directorate Andre Mitchell.

Alexander Samuel of Conaree Village, who is police custody, has been formally charged for the offences of Discharging a Loaded Firearm in a Public Place, Possession of Firearm, Possession of Ammunition and Possession of Firearm with Intent to Endanger Life.

“The mere fact that this individual was brazen enough to conduct himself in this way in the vicinity of a Police Station shows a lack of respect for the law, law enforcement personnel and society. The High Command condemns this irresponsible and disrespectful act. During this period when the Federation is experiencing decreased levels in violent crimes and a renewed sense of peace, we want to send a strong message to the perpetrators of crime that any disruption to the peace will be stamped out. We also denounce the circulation of rumours that the Police Station was attacked. This was never the case. While we understand that the matter is deeply troubling, peddling such false information never serves any useful purpose and only creates hysteria among the public,” COP Mitchell said in a statement.

Reportedly, on Sunday 15th March 2020, a motorcyclist fired several gun shots along the stretch of Cayon Street leading up to the Queen Victoria Roundabout.

It was mentioned that the “Basseterre Police Station, as well as several other businesses, are located in this area. Both pedestrians and Officers are often in this area as well.” 

According to Mitchell “Despite the threat posed by this lone gunman, our Officers moved swiftly to capture the perpetrator.”

Samuel was charged on Tuesday 17th March following investigations.

Dr. Drew Refreshes Call To Gov’t To Consult Cuba Concerning Coronavirus Following OECS Advice Report

BASSETERRE, St. Kitts (Friday 20th March 2020) – Cuban-trained medical doctor and Chairman of the St.Kitts-Nevis Labour Party (SKNLP) Dr. Terrance Drew has refreshed calling on the government to involve a medical team from Cuba in the national effort concerning the threat of the coronavirus (COVID-19), in asking that local administration makes good on this week’s advice given to OECS (Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States) countries.

“I want to call on the government to really accept the OECS advice and get the specialists here. I think we need an infectious disease specialist, we need an intensive care specialist and we need a lung specialist along if we need any epidemiologist on the ground to really help to work to track this virus but I think in those critical areas which is the area that is going to determine whether a lot of people die or survive, I think that is where we need a lot of support.”

Dr. Drew made the appeal on Wednesday this week (18th March 2020) as he continued his calls for St.Kitts-Nevis to reach out to Cuba weeks before this area of advice for Cuba’s assistance came out at a special meeting of the OECS Authority and the Monetary Council of the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union (ECCU).

According to him: “Had we asked them (Cuba medical personnel) long time ago, I think Cuba could have set up a structure within a week and the population could have become very comforted to know that we have good support on the front line.”

Dr. Drew gave reasoning behind his early calls for the St.Kitts-Nevis government to reach out to Cuba “because our health infrastructure is very fragile…is not built to sustain something like this… because our system and structure is not equipped with the specialists or even the equipment and so forth and necessary training to deal specifically with this breakout, it’s important that we seek help from those who can help us and we see that Cuba is in a position.”

He applauded Cuba’s record of going to countries to assist as he noted that country’s dealing with the Ebola whereby  medical personnel “gained a great deal of  experience being on the front line  with one of the one most infectious diseases known to man…that is the story that is missing when people speak about Ebola.”

Dr. Drew recalled that in a recent visit to Germany in February this year during the early talks of the coronavirus, he saw the plans that they were putting in place as he visited hospitals and institutions “and quickly recognized that  St.Kitts and Nevis lack the resources both human resource and financial, and even in terms of equipment and so forth to really deal with this virus if it were to hit our shores but moreover that the tourism  industry -which this is the season for it- will be significantly impacted and as a result will be affected both with respect to our health and financially and everything else that would spin-off from that so this is serious serious business here.” 

A press release issued this week has informed that a Special Meeting of the OECS Authority and the Monetary Council of the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union (ECCU) was held virtually on March 15th 2020.

Reportedly, the meeting was called by Chairman of the Monetary Council and Prime Minister of Grenada, Dr. Keith Mitchell, to discuss the COVID-19 situation and its impact on the OECS.

St.Kitts-Nevis Prime Minister Dr. Timothy Harris was listed among those present for that session.

Specifically relating to Dr. Drew’s comments, under the section of CAPACITY BUILDING, the press statement reads as follow: “The OECS Commission has formally requested two (2) Infectious Disease Control Experts from Cuba. These experts will be deployed to train frontline immigration and health officials.

In the short term, the Meeting recommended that eligible member countries seek assistance from Cuba with respect to doctors and nurses to supplement national capacity. St. Vincent and the Grenadines has already requested a team of (3) three doctors and (12) twelve nurses with expertise in infectious disease management from Cuba to supplement their national capacity.

In the medium term, the ECCU and the OECS must strengthen its capacity as it pertains to national health security, biosecurity and food security. Areas of focus ought to include human resources, medical and other infrastructure, to deal with the lingering effects of COVID-19 and future threats.”

Occupational Safety and Health

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Workers (People), has your heart ever been broken?  Let me ask you: What you broke it? Was it cruelty, unfaithfulness, loss? Perhaps you have crept into the darkness to cry. Hello! It’s good to cry because “Tears are the only for weeping.”

I hear older people than I say so. They also say that a little does one good.

People, as it stands right now, what I am doing in my articles is trying to rescue the reluctant minded at the workplace. I was taught how to save a drowning person , and what I write about regarding Occupational Safety and Health and the ‘awareness’, some of us are behaving in a careless way  and that is why sometimes I cry.

So in keeping with my promise while the problems we face for our survival might be grave (serious and worrying), we will have  to find satisfying answers by analysing (examine) all the bad things happening today at the workplace. Workers (People), I told you last week that our health is under siege (block).

Workers (People), again, are you hearing me? Answers to this question you can only find it by reading the Labour Spokesman.  I am about to close but I will say some more about the topic:

(1) Life can be pure bliss (perfect happiness, joy) when all goes well but what if circumstances make your life seem unbearable? Think about it, especially at the workplace.

Remember I said to you some time ago to be mindful that work is dangerous to our health; it always has been and always will be as long as human beings have to operate processes of production.

Diseases disablement and death are tragic (sad and distressing) but inevitable cost of production. However, let us make Occupational Safety and Health a priority (most important thing) since human life is indeed valuable.

(2) This has been running on my mind so I better say it now pertaining to formulating an emergency onsite plan that will assess the risks and hazards in workplaces so as to improve the plants, for example: additional safeguards or better procedures or decisions taken that the risks are sufficiently small to be accepted. I am saying this plan must be related to the final assessment and it is the responsibility of management to formulate it.

*Note Well* Workers (People), stay safe and healthy to avoid diseases and danger by keeping your living workplace sanitary. Also, if possible, wear gloves, sturdy shoes, hard hat and dust masks. It pays to belong to the St.Kitts-Nevis Trades and Labour Union.

Thanking you.

CMO Laws Encourages SKN To Drink Enough Water

BASSETERRE, St.Kitts (Friday 20th March 2020) – “We take water for granted but guess what? Keeping yourself adequately hydrated can make the difference between getting over the virus without any problems or getting very ill and have to go in the hospital.”

So advised Chief Medical Officer Dr. Hazel Laws while speaking a government’s town hall meeting held on Tuesday 17th March 2020 at the Newton Ground Primary School on the topic of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) while encouraging citizens and residents to drink “enough water” and advising individuals with underlying medical conditions such as asthma and diabetes to visit their private doctor, as part of her presentation.

To date, St. Kitts-Nevis has not confirmed any case of the pandemic virus while neigbouring islands including Antigua and St. Martin have.

Notably, in general, the common recommended daily water intake to prevent dehydration is eight 8-ounce glasses which measures about 2 liters or half a gallon.

According to Dr. Laws: “It’s very very important to keep well- hydrated because your body’s organ systems work efficiently and optimally when you keep well-hydrated.”

The CMO pointed out that “it’s important to note that serious illness is associated with older age for example persons 70 and older and it’s also associated with persons with underlying chronic medical conditions. Conditions like diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, renal failure and chronic lung disease like asthma and so I want to plead to those of you who have diabetes and hypertension and asthma, you know what you need to do?”

She continued: “I need you to make sure you go to the clinic or go to your private doctor and make sure that you have your medication, be compliant with your medication; in other words take your medication as prescribed by the doctor? Why? Because in so doing your blood sugar will be controlled, your blood sugar values will be normal, your blood pressure values will be normal and then your body’s immune system will be able to fight off this infection so it’s very important if you’re chronically ill, you can still boost your own immune system to try and fight off this infection.”

COVID-19, according to medical reports, is not widespread amongst children.

 “Information tells us that the majority of the patients who get this infection are adults. When you look at those in China who got the infection, only two per cent of the individuals were under the age of 19 so what it is telling me is that this infection is not prevalent amongst children and for me that’s reassuring,” Dr. Laws stated.

“Approximately 80 per cent of persons who get this infection, they only experience a mild form of illness…a mild clinical course and then they recover without any complications. In other words, most persons who get this infection, they recover without much problems; some of us may not even have any symptoms and for me again this is reassuring. Fifteen per cent of individual, however, will go on to have serious illness and may require hospitalisation and five per cent will require intensive care unit admission, “she added.

The top health official shared that to date there “isn’t any specific treatment that the physician or doctor can give you to treat this infection. They have tried some medication like anti HIV and anti-flu medication but these medication, they do not work for all persons who have the disease.’

She went on to say there is no vaccine to date noting that “there are some vaccine candidates on the market but right now there isn’t a vaccine that we can give you to protect you from this virus.”

Dr. Laws reminded persons about proper hygiene indicating that hand cleanliness is top.

“ Washing hand regularly is the best defense against this virus especially after touching dirty door handles or counter tops when you go to pay bills … wash your hands properly with soap and water…you have to wash your front, your back  and in between for no less than 20 seconds.”

Individuals are also being urged to keep their hands out of their face-avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth- because that is a way of introducing the virus into one’s blood system, avoid close contact with anyone who has cold and flu symptoms maintain  safe distance from anyone coughing and sneezing.

The CMO stated that “those who are coughing and sneezing should wear face mask.”

Symptoms associated with the COVID-19 are fever,  dry cough  and shortness of breath being the most common  while other indicators of the virus  are runny nose, muscle aches and pains, conjunctivitis (redness o the eyes), vomiting and diarrhea.

qAs it relates the incubation period which is the time between individuals picking up the infection and showing symptoms “like when you start to cough and when you mount a fever, it’s usually 14 days. However, the information tells us that it can be as along as 21 to 24 days.”

Local Vendor Dishes On Coronavirus Mindfulness, Shares Health Tips

BASSETERRE, St.Kitts (Friday 20th March 2020) –Having been a nurse to now a fruit and vegetable vendor, Tiki, a young local entrepreneur understands the importance of proper hygiene as it relates to dealing with others and having a healthy lifestyle overall.

In light of the high risk of the coronavirus (COVID-19) reaching the Federation of St.Kitts-Nevis, this week this reporter had the opportunity to interact with the seller at her stall on the corner of Liverpool Rowe and Delisle Street in Basseterre where she plies her trade Mondays to Saturdays.

Fruits and vegetables vendor Tiki cleans prepares her watermelon slices (Spokesman Snap)

“I think that after the virus- having a cure/treatment and so forth- hopefully, it doesn’t reach to St.Kitts-Nevis but everybody should continue eating right and continue using the hand sanitizer and washing their hands often because it’s good for the health in general.”

Commenting on how long she has been in this agricultural side of the business, she said: “Since in school, I’ve always had a passion for agricultural science. I was in the nursing profession before so when it comes to helping people  that’s  something that I enjoy doing so the food selling is as much important as in the health care [sector].”

When asked about what measures she has in place amidst health advisory concerning the expected outbreak in the Federation, Tiki told: “Well, in the morning when I come I have Clorox and water and I wipe the table before putting produce on the table and as you could see, when I cut the watermelon, I have a container with some water and Clorox is in it so it prevents the flies from coming into the area because to me the flies could actually be carriers of the disease if they land on dirty things. In general with the coronavirus or not, flies are not good to be around food so that is something that I have been doing in keeping the flies away.”

Touching on the interaction with customers, the fruits and vegetables vendor had this to say: “Customers enjoy putting their bags on the table. We (as vendors) don’t know where their bags were so I advise them not to rest anything on the table. When collecting the money, I try my best to wash my hands or use some alcohol and I have soap liquid that kills the 99% of the bacteria and germs.”

The young businesswoman is encouraging everyone to lead a healthy lifestyle in boosting their immune system so as to enjoy a better quality of life for years to come.

Fruits and vegetables vendor Tiki cleans her hands after dealing with a customer (Spokesman Snap)

“Persons should continue eating healthy on a whole because it’s very important for your health and so that you can live long. You get a longer life when you eat healthy.”

In speaking to other members of the public, this is what they had to say:

Lesroy (A customer at Tiki’s stall) – “I strongly believe in local home grown food especially because we have some real nice soil here and it’s 100 % more healthy than the imported stuff and that’s what is playing a big part in what’s going on today in the food industry in opposite to other foods that is engineered [genetically]. I just walking round now looking for oranges and tangerine because my little baby I see coming down with the flu and so I have to search to see which ones have in seeds and what don’t because I can’t see how a food that’s naturally from nature supposed to have in seeds and don’t so I check the local for the real stuff. I normally buy greens that have in a lot of proteins, local fruits with a lot of vitamin C to help build the immune system and we have the Moringa bush all over the place and access to a lot of fresh water. In preparation for the coronavirus, I have been fasting to flush out. We have a lot of produce here but it’s just for people within their minds because of what they see on the television they want to buy in terms of the fast foods and so on.”

 Mr. Jones- “To combat the coronavirus I have been taking multivitamins to boost my immune system and engaging in regular exercises. I’ve been eating mostly vegetables and fruits but I’ve been lacking on the drinking water part but I’m hoping to change that soon.”

Chief Medical officer Dr. Hazel laws has been advising members of the public about the importance of drinking water, getting adequate rest at nights, regular exercise, managing stress levels and also eating healthily by way of consuming fruits and vegetables as well as with the intake of supplements of multivitamins like Vitamin C, B Complex and B 12 in boosting one’s immune system in the threat of COVID-19.

With fever being the most common symptom for the virus, she has also disclosed that Paracetamol and Panadol are recommended, and according to her “If that is not working, you need to go to the physician to get anti fever medication preferred options in terms of treating the fever associated with this virus.”

Interested buyers can contact Tiki at 663-7638.

Canada to Set New Date for Biometric Processing for Visa Applications in St. Kitts and Nevis

Basseterre, St. Kitts, March 13, 2020 (Ministry of Foreign Affairs): The Canadian High Commission wishes to inform the general public that in light of the COVID-19 global pandemic, the biometrics collection visit scheduled for March 26-27, 2020 has been postponed. When a new date is decided, it will be communicated to the general public. The Canadian High Commission regrets any inconvenience this postponement may cause.

Occupational Safety and Health

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Workers (People), the pleasure will always be mine in keeping with my promise to write every week on this topic and you the workers to understand and appreciate its meaning.

It seems to me that things are getting out of control. Our Health and Safety is under siege (forcing people out of place).

Hello! But please remember science which my Collins paperback English dictionary gives the meaning: “The study of the nature and behaviour of the physical universe based on observation, experiment and measurement.” That’s plenty of work but the knowledge obtained by these methods is rewarding. Hear this now:  On a very, very serious note, science can take us only so far when it comes to good health.

High blood pressure, obesity, air pollution and drug abuse-all risk factors for disease- are increasing. Plenty people are dying from non-communicable diseases such as cancer cardiovascular disorders and diabetes. Also, there is a growing number of people disabled by other diseases including mental illness (involving the mind). We are now witnessing the outbreak of the now pandemic (global spread of a new disease) coronavirus (COVID-19). The bottom line is that this sickness is out of the control of human beings and to me, the end of it seems to be nowhere in sight. Before I close, let me point out that factories continue to pollute the atmosphere; many people die every year from breathing impure air. People continue to dump sewage, medical and agricultural waste as well as other pollutants into the oceans. As a result, these poison marine, animals and plants as well as human beings who eat contaminated seafood as part of their regular diet. It also looks to that we are running out of fresh water.

*Note well* (1) As I read and write, I, too, become acquainted with these words. When you educate a man or woman, you open their eyes, broaden their mind and expand their thinking and in so doing encourage them to think for themselves. (2) Workers (People), let us think of other grave threats to survival and try to satisfy answers about our future by analysing all the bad things happening today. Continue reading the Labour Spokesman Newspaper and set your eyes on the future.

Thanking you.

NRP Rookie Runner Beats CCM Incumbent By More Than 300 Votes

BASSETERRE, St.Kitts (Friday 13th March 2020)-Rookie Cleone Stapleton- Simmonds of the opposition Nevis Reformation Party (NRP) won the St. Thomas Nevis 5 seat in a by-election on Thursday 5th March 2020.

The first female elected candidate for NRP beat incumbent Keith ‘Dis an Dat’ Scarborough of the incumbent Concerned Citizens Movement (CCM) who has lost his chance at the polls for a fourth time now.

Stapleton- Simmonds garnered 514 votes, some 323 more than her running mate following a low voter turnout which stood at a 46.5%.

Following the victorious outcome, in addressing supporters at the NRP’s headquarters, she expressed: “We have fought long and hard. It was not easy but we came out victorious!”

She has voiced gratitude for “the overwhelming support and out pouring of love today. On behalf of the Nevis Reformation Party and the Visionary 2020 Team I say thank you and I look forward to serving you with dignity in the name of Peace Process and Prosperity.”

In previous interview with this media house Stapleton-Simmonds stated that the Nevis 5 seat “has predominantly been an NRP seat so there is a high level of confidence but I have to treat it like any other fight.”

Meanwhile, CCM’S Leader Premier Mark Brantley has congratulated the NRP winner.

“As Premier of Nevis and Leader of our great CCM Party, I offer sincerest congratulations to Mrs Cleone Stapleton-Simmonds on her victory at the polls in today’s bi-election in St Thomas Parish Nevis 5. Her election is historic as it marks the first time that a female NRP candidate has been elected in Nevis.

He added: “To the candidate for our great Party Mr Keith Scarborough, MBE I also offer my congratulations. He had great courage. He ran a good race. He fought a good fight. The people of St Thomas Parish have now spoken eloquently and their voice is the voice of God.”

Brantely stated that he looks “ forward to welcoming the Honourable Cleone Stapleton-Simmonds to the Parliament and commit to working with her and the good people of St Thomas to ensure that they continue to benefit from the development that is taking place on Nevis.”

In further addressing the Nevis 5 constituents, he commented: “To the people of St Thomas Parish, I thank you for the opportunity given to our CCM Party to have campaigned and made our case to you. We did not persuade you on this occasion but rest assured we shall never retreat from nor surrender St Thomas Parish.”

More details in a follow-up report.

Internet Bullies Cause Safety Concerns For Judge In Grant- Powell Vs. Tanzil Case

BASSETERRE, St.Kitts (Friday 13th March 2020) – Social media users threatening violence in reference to resident judge Eddy Ventose- from St.Lucia- has caused local and regional judiciary groups to be concerned for his safety and are calling on wrong doers to stop behaving in such manner.

This subject matter is linked to a recent ruling made in the court court case involving two public figure lawyers and Lindsay Grant and Jonel Powell-who are both government officials- whose former client Tanzania Tobing Tanzil is accusing them of misappropriation US$460,000 for which they are exepected to appear before a dicsiplinary committee according to the latest development.

To this media house’s knowledge, three associations namely the Bar Council of the Federation of St Kitts and Nevis followed by the OECS Bar Association and the Organisation of Commonwealth Caribbean Bar Associations (OCCBA) have publicly addressed the issue via statements.

“We have found specifically a few Facebook posts containing both open and suggested passing dangers and dangers of viciousness against the Honorable Judge and in any event, actuating savagery towards him. We call upon those people dependable to promptly stop this instant from the apprehensive and disparaging assaults by means of web based life and wish to caution other people who may harbor comparative aims to halt from so doing,” the OECS Bar Association disclosed in a statement issued on Monday 9th March 2020.

That association is calling upon “the authority of the police administration in the Federation of St Kitts and Nevis to treat truly the dangers against Justice Ventose and to lead a quick obvious and careful examination.”

Additionally, being called upon, too, is “the State to guarantee that satisfactory increased security is kept up for Justice Ventose and other legal authorities despite the present dangers.”

On Friday 6th March  President of the St Kitts and Nevis Bar Association Dahlia Joseph Rowe in condemning the attacks asked individuals to respect the office of the judge and pointed out that personal attacks on a judge are unacceptable.

“The Bar Council strongly condemns such attacks on a member of our judiciary. The independence of the judiciary is a fundamental pillar of our democratic society. We cannot allow the safety and independence of the judiciary to be compromised in any way by baseless and unwarranted threats because some persons are dissatisfied with the ruling of a judge.”

She added in part: “While members of the public are entitled to express their views they must do so lawfully and responsibly. We urge persons to exhibit respect at all times for the office of the Honourable Judge. Personal attacks on a judge are unacceptable and unwarranted regardless of the circumstances. If a party is dissatisfied with the ruling of a judge the judicial process provides an avenue to challenge such a ruling.”

Rowe also talked about the security measure saying: “Whatever security measures are required to guarantee the safety of the judge must be implemented by the relevant authorities as a matter of priority. This being an election season in St Christopher and Nevis, we urge the leaders and senior members of the respective political parties to lead by example and encourage your supporters to be civil, respectful and responsible in their discourse at all times.”

Meanwhile, on Tuesday 10th March, the (OCCBA) in its expressed joint solidarity on the matter condemned “the scurrilous and unwarranted attacks on Justice Eddy Ventose following his delivery of a judgment on 27 February 2020 in a matter involving certain public figures.”

“We recognise that the Federation of St Kitts and Nevis is in election mode which carries with it inflamed passions and robust exchanges. Such must never extend, however, to threats of violence against anyone, moreso judges in the discharge of their duties.”

That organization, too, appealed to all political leaders to address their supporters.

“OCCBA calls on leaders on all sides of the political divide to counsel their supporters against all forms of violence and threats of violence and to respect decisions of the court even in circumstances where there may be good grounds for justifiable criticism and dissatisfaction. Appropriate avenues of appeal exist to challenge the rulings and correct the errors of High Court judges and other judicial officers.”

Health Ministry Implements Measures At All Entry Ports In Light of Coronavirus

BASSETERRE, St.Kitts (Friday 13th March 2020)– In wake of the coronavirus (COVID-19), St. Kitts-Nevis, like other countries around the world, have put certain measures at its ports of entry with the exception of using temperature guns at the airport with reason given.

Speaking at a press conference organised by the Ministry of Health earlier this month, Chief Medical Officer Dr. Hazel Laws informed that the ministry has strengthened surveillance at all ports entry and airports including Port Zante, Christophe Harbour and New Guinea.

According to her, all international flights and all flights from regional hubs- Antigua, St.Martin and Puerto Rico- are being monitored.

“Accurate completion of section 17 of the St. Kitts and Nevis Immigration form is now an absolute requirement by immigration for entry into the Federation. All incoming travellers from  China, Hong Kong, Macau, Singapore, South Korea, Japan, Thailand, Vietnam and Italy and Iran must be directed to the health desk to provide information regarding details of travel history, history of exposure to COVID  19, their health status and contact information. The health team at the airport utilizes a screening tool to evaluate these incoming air travellers to determine their risk to COVID 19 and depending on their risk, they’re either allowed normal entry, they may be monitored by the public health team or such persons might be quarantined,” the CMO reported.

As told, all frontline port workers were formally sensitized on COVID-19 and the new measures at the airport at a session conducted in January 2020.

In relation to temperature guns, she explained: “Please note that you will not find thermal scanning taking place at the R L Bradshaw International Airport because based on the latest evidence or science, the use of thermal scanning or temperature guns is not an effective way to detect COVID- 19.”

Dr. Laws added: “Also, if you are an incoming traveller and you’re coming from a territory that’s not deemed a hot spot, you may not interact with our health desk. The international health regulations committee within the federal office of the ministry of health continues to monitor this outbreak daily.”

In sharing some information regarding port surveillance, the CMO said a total of 63 incoming air travellers were screened by the health desk which saw three (3) asymptomatic persons quarantined at home, 6 asymptomatic persons quarantined at tourist facilities and 50 persons being monitored daily by the public health team.

 It was also publicized that two incoming air travellers who consented to testing because they were coming from countries with local transmission of this disease were tested negative for COVID 19.

She disclosed that within the private sector, Next Generation Medical Laboratory is providing local testing capability.

The CMO went on to say that the Ministry of Health recently procured a GeneXpert machine and that the staff is currently being trained to use it for soon local testing capabilities in the public sector particularly at JNF hospital noting “and this is a priority for the Ministry of Health.”

Dr. Laws has explained the difference between isolation and quarantine in regard to the coronavirus.

“Isolation speaks to the separation of I’ll persons from other individuals such that I’ll person does transmit the virus to well persons. Quarantine is the process by which you restrict the movement of individuals are well as asymptomatic but they may have had exposure or they may have been exposed to the virus and so you have to quarantine them and wait and see if they do develop symptoms so if we have an ill person and they have the COVID virus and we are managing them, they will have to go to one of the treatment centres If the virus gets here, all of the hospitals will be treatment sites so persons would be isolated at the hospital, managed and treated. Quarantine, so if you come into St.Kitts right now and with a travel history to Italy …we are going to have to quarantine you because you would have been exposed to the virus so we will have to restrict your movement and observe for the development of symptoms.”

In respect to the cruise ship industry, Tourism Minister Lindsay Grant speaking at a town hall this week commented on how the coronavirus would affect passenger arrival regarding docking permissions saying in part: “We are not going to reach the numbers but you will appreciate and understand that we have the concern [regarding] your safety.”