Minister taking cue from public health experts

Minister of Health Lt. Col. Jeffrey Bostic has blanked the recommendation by the nation’s doctors’ body to raise the coronavirus quarantine to seven days.

Speaking to reporters on Monday, he said that the ministry will continue to be guided by the science, the Pan-American Health Organisation (PAHO) and World Health Organisation (WHO).

Last week, the  Barbados Association of Medical Practitioners (BAMP) called on Government to increase the quarantine period from five days to seven days for travellers coming from the medium to high-risk jurisdictions.

The BAMP statement read: “Travellers from all high to medium-risk countries should present a negative PCR test on arrival and undergo quarantine for a minimum of five days after arrival and up to seven days depending on assessment of pre-travel risk of exposure. Release from quarantine should be dependent on obtaining a negative PCR test at the end of this period. Intense monitoring for symptoms should occur for seven days after arrival.”

But when asked by journalists about the suggestions put forward by BAMP, the health minister flatly said they were not being considered at this stage.

Lt. Col. Bostic said: “At this stage, we do not see a need to change the quarantine protocol. But if things change, because this is a dynamic situation, then we will adjust accordingly. But at this point in time, no.”

He added: “It is not being actively considered. Let me say we welcome the participation of the Barbados Association of Medical Practitioners (BAMP) within our Health Emergency Operation Centre; they are represented there and these matters are discussed at that level.

“Several weeks ago I would have had a meeting with representatives from the World Health Organisation (WHO) and PAHO dealing with these matters and BAMP was welcomed to participate in that meeting. This discussion was held by WHO and they have basically endorsed what we are doing because what we are doing is following the science and we take guidance from the World Health Organisation.”

Lt. Col. Bostic was adamant that while BAMP has a key role to play in the health care system, he opted to rely on the expertise of the public health officials who were tasked with managing the pandemic.

“With no disrespect whatsoever we welcome BAMP they do perform a function and I respect BAMP,” he said. “But as Minister of Health and Wellness, I have to take the guidance from my public health officers because they are the experts.

“It is a difference between public health and what others do in the other health services. My public officers are very, very knowledgeable and not only that; we have guidance from the PAHO office here in Barbados and the World Health Organisation.”

The health minister gave an assurance to the public that the measures the ministry has implemented have worked well so far.

“I hasten to add that our experience so far we have caught persons on the second test positive for the most part, the protocol is working beautifully. It has done exactly how we expected it do, how we expected it to perform.” (IMC)