Local News “We knew before you told us’: Readers on COVID-19 community spread by Barbados Today 26/01/2021 written by Barbados Today 26/01/2021 2 min read A+A- Reset Share FacebookTwitterLinkedinWhatsappEmail 194 The announcement of community spread of the coronavirus has come as no surprise to many Barbadians, according to Barbados TODAY readers. On Saturday, Minister of Health Lt Col Jeffrey Bostic said: “For those cases where we have exhausted our efforts in terms of finding a link, we now, based on the public health officials’ reporting, have reached the stage where we believe, and we are declaring that there is community transmission in Barbados.” The health minister’s comment immediately prompted reactions from online readers. One reader said: “We knew before you told us, Mr Minister.” Another added: “Now wait to confirm? The public was debating that 800 cases ago.” Pam Smith said: “Such devastating news after all the hard work of Barbadians which now feels the effects of visitors who too often showed scant regard for the Barbados COVID-19 protocols which kept them safe for so long with a total of nine deaths.” But some readers blamed this new stage of the virus’’s spread on the Government. You Might Be Interested In Crystal Beckles-Holder, 2nd runner up in regional competition GUYANA: Body of child found after gold mine collapses Barbadians asked to help with return tickets for Haitians Que Pérez declared: “There was community spread from the moment they requested contact tracing from the bus crawl…Trust me, the more they test, the more they will find..but, you can’t stop testing. “Everyone (needs) to be extra careful; follow protocols to avoid being tested positive. Sadly, it has got to an inevitable stage.” DW Zenghetti said: “Congratulations to the government on placing us in this mess by their negligence. You all had one job… just had to ensure government was proactive in ensuring no tourists breached quarantine. You placed that responsibility solely on the hotels? During a global pandemic with a deadly virus? That’s the government’s job. Any tourist coming here is a potential threat to national security and safety. “We’ll all fight this scourge…no surrender, no retreat, ” Joan Clarke said. (KB) Barbados Today Stay informed and engaged with our digital news platform. The leading online multimedia news resource in Barbados for news you can trust. You may also like Nurses facing increasing violence and threats, says nursing association 22/06/2025 Minister Adrian Forde chairs regional land management council 22/06/2025 Safeguards will accompany wiretapping legislation, assures Attorney General 21/06/2025