Highlights from PM’s Press Conference

Appointment of National COVID-19 Public Information Adviser

–       Veteran journalist David Ellis has been appointed National COVID-19 Public Information Advisor.

–       PM Mottley says Government was seeking an adviser that was independent and able to reach all Barbadians to help transform behaviours.

–       Mr. Ellis says he will be reaching out to various groups to get their positions, ideas and to correct the things they believe are wrong.

Clusters

-To date, there are eight family clusters comprising between two to seven persons

– from September 1- 13 – 83  family clusters

– Other clusters in the commercial sector

Nurses

– Some of the Cuban nurses will be returning home next week for holiday.

–   At least 10 Cuban nurses are expected back in Barbados.

–   Government is in discussion with Ghana to secure more nurses.

–   Government is hoping to have sessions with the Barbadian diaspora in North America and the UK to work with nurses who may want to come home.

COVID impacting young people

Since September 1, over 200 young people under 18 have caught COVID.

30 per cent of positive COVID-19 cases recorded Sunday were under 18.

–  25 per cent of positive cases recorded Saturday were under 18.

Approximately, 5, 500 persons between 12-18 have been vaccinated, that’s roughly about 27/28 per cent of age cohort.

Another 26, 000 persons can be vaccinated with Pfizer, preferably young people.