COVID-19 transmission “very low”; no more dashboards to be issued

The Ministry of Health and Wellness has discontinued issuing the COVID-19 dashboard because transmission remains “very low”, and deaths associated with the virus had also declined, with no COVID-19 related deaths reported in the last three to four months, says Chief Medical Officer, Dr The Most Honourable Kenneth George.

The dashboard, which documented COVID-19 cases, test results and deaths, was initiated by the ministry in 2020, to give members of the public an accurate report of the impact of the virus during the early stages of the pandemic. Later, it gave information on vaccine uptake.

“However, with the global decline of the virus, it was deemed unnecessary to continue to disseminate the statistics,” the ministry said. The last dashboard was issued on May 24, 2024, reflecting statistics for the period, April 13 to May 10, 2024.

Dr George further noted that the COVID-19 experience has taught everyone that respiratory hygiene, such as frequent handwashing, remains the cornerstone of preventing the transmission of any respiratory disease.

He said the ministry will continue its surveillance of all respiratory illnesses in Barbados, including COVID-19.

(BGIS)