#BTEditorial – No doubt, no fear

The spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) threatens the world with a social and economic lockdown.

Director-General of the World Health Organization, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, has reported that there are over 118,000 cases in 114 countries, with 4,291 people losing their lives in what is now being called a pandemic.

Italy has been under national shut down since Monday. Even as several European countries implemented their own closures and bans on large gatherings as a way to stymie the spread of the virus, the United States has targeted the EU for an air travel lockdown.

COVID-19 has almost made its way to our shores, with Trinidad and Tobago, the Cayman Islands and Guadeloupe noting their first cases today. Guyana and St Vincent reported their first cases of the virus on Wednesday. Jamaica recorded two cases this week, prompting the cancellation of marquee sporting events such as the Inter-Secondary Schools Sports Association (ISSA) Boys’ and Girls’ Athletics Championships, best known as Champs.

There have also been reported coronavirus cases in the Dominican Republic, Martinique, Saint Martin and Saint Barthélemy.

For Barbados, then, it is a case of not if, but when.

Government’s forward-thinking leadership on this issue must be commended, particularly such initiatives as the information hotline as well as the immediate identification of protocols for quarantine, testing and healthcare support.

But in addition to these measures, we suggest the country should also begin to consider the scaling back of pending large-scale events, including We Gatherin’ activities and the Barbados Reggae Festival.

One event promoter has cancelled their show, Gimme Soca, which was scheduled for Saturday, March 28. In a statement released on social media, the promoters stated: “Although there are currently no cases of COVID-19 in Barbados, we understand persons [sic] reluctance of public gatherings and thus had to make this difficult decision.”

It is indeed a tough decision that Government also has to consider. Surely, the idea of banning large events would have never crossed the minds of the thousands of Barbadians eagerly looking forward to our festivals and events when the first case of the coronavirus was discovered in early January in Wuhan, China.

Since then, Bajans have been anxiously tuned in to international news reports, closely monitoring the spread of infection, and stocking up on hand sanitisers, antibacterial sprays and wipes, in preparation for possible impact.

Even though there are no confirmed cases yet, the fear of travelling has already affected travel to the island during the traditional high season. Key airlines serving Barbados are experiencing a dip in ticket sales and have been asking the Government to “work with them” in light of their challenges.

While imposing our own ban on large events might be seen by economists and business and financial experts as a debilitating move — especially in times of austerity — it might pale in comparison to the effects of coronavirus becoming widespread in Barbados.

To describe those possible effects as devastating would be an understatement.

Developed countries such as China, Italy and the US have struggled to contain COVID-19, even with the availability of significant resources.

Although previous reports suggested that the virus had been contained and that new cases were on the decline, that has proven to be far from the truth.

In fact, new cases of the virus are being discovered every day as infection rates grow exponentially.

Our health officials have done everything in their power to prevent a coronavirus outbreak but it might not be enough.

With the thousands coming through the island’s air and seaports daily, and with our limited resources, it would be naïve to believe that everyone coming into the country can be adequately screened.

It is perhaps at this point that we borrow principles of preparedness usually reserved for the hurricane season, to take steps to prepare for long periods where isolation, self-reliance, sustainability and best practices for health and safety are paramount.

And as always, if the Almighty, who has been the people’s guide these past near 400 years, be on the people’s side, we have no doubts or fears.