COVID-19 spreading in recreational areas, places of work

Head of the COVID-19 Monitoring Unit Ronald Chapman is reporting that more people are contracting COVID-19 in recreational areas and places of work.

As he delivered remarks during this evening’s press conference, Chapman said that while the two categories – recreational areas and places of work – seem to be creating a headache for authorities, COVID-19 is not spreading in front offices of stores or supermarkets, where protocols are being fully enforced.

“What we are seeing is in the back offices, in the storerooms, in areas where the staff congregate, have lunch, where they take off their masks. Sometimes we are having incidents where staff decide that at lunchtime, they are going to go into the car with one another and eat lunch.

“These areas where people congregate close together are causing us significant concern. As you would have heard, we have been having issues with churches and this has to do with the same issue, close contact, confined spaces and crowds. Once you have those three C’s coming together you are going to get COVID, or you increase your chances of getting COVID,” Chapman said.

Chapman reminded those visiting bars to consume their beverages outdoors, and remain away from confined spaces indoors. He explained that persons lose their guard when they are congregating and under the influence of alcohol. He said too many people at bars are being caught wearing their masks under their chin, exposing themselves and others to the possibility of contracting the virus.

“We are not in a place where we can play now. This thing is extremely serious. Wear your mask,” he said.

Chapman said that as the new directives, which come into effect tonight, are focused on reducing crowds, members of the public are being encouraged to report the gathering of large crowds to the COVID-19 Monitoring Unit.

And given the recent spike in cases due to the highly contagious Delta variant of the COVID-19, Chapman said that while the Unit is well staffed and ready to address the issues being confronted, the members cannot be everywhere at the same time.

He said Barbadians must assist the Units’ efforts by taking care of their own safety.

Meanwhile, Attorney General Dale Marshall, who was also present at the press conference, said that two reports he received from credible sources during the proceedings indicate that Barbadians are failing to take the directives they have to follow seriously.

Marshall said irresponsible behaviour would put a greater strain on national resources, noting that in some instances, police are often called to offer assistance to the members of the monitoring unit. (AH)