BAMP warns people still at risk even when Omicron wave ends

The Barbados Association of Medical Practitioners (BAMP) Friday sounded a caution that while the island is nearing the end of the Omicron wave, the COVID-19 pandemic is not over as long as the potential for new variants remains high.

“One storm passing does not necessarily mean the end of a hurricane season. We must remain vigilant,” BAMP President Dr. Lynda Williams advised.

She noted that the island’s current vaccine coverage, which stands at 54.9 per cent of the population, does not provide the same levels of immune protection as seen in other countries.

“Therefore, a gradual, phased approach to withdrawal of public health restrictions, based on best available local data, must continue to occur with monitoring of effects,” Dr Williams said.

Urging Barbadians to be cautious with the curfew lifted and other restrictions eased, she added: ”We must also not forget that even though the Omicron variant of COVID-19 appears to be clinically milder, we are still dealing with a highly transmissible viral illness which must not be regarded as just another flu. This virus still causes severe disease and death in vulnerable populations and long-term sickness in ways not yet fully understood.

Any surge in cases, even if a small fraction becomes severely ill, will put additional pressure on our severely strained healthcare system.”

BAMP reiterated calls for authorities to collect the best data to assess what is happening in the country, as it expressed concern that with the increasing availability of self-test kits, many persons were opting to forego the standard PCR test that is officially recorded.

“We urge the public to continue to present for standard PCR testing even after rapid testing. PCR testing confirms your result and if you are positive and become unwell, it allows greater access to immediate care,” it said.

BAMP added that it would continue to lobby for an increase in routine surveillance testing, both in the country and at the borders, to allow for greater accuracy in estimating the COVID-19 disease burden and for the detection of new variants.

“We, therefore, encourage Barbadians to come forward for testing, even if you or your children are asymptomatic, to help detect cases and to reduce the spread of COVID-19,” the doctors’ association said.

Despite the warnings, BAMP fully supports the resumption of face-to-face classes next Monday, stressing the fundamental value of the school setting to children’s overall development.

However, Dr Williams insisted, “our national priority at this time must be to reopen our schools with strict public health guidelines and to minimise disease transmission from homes to school settings”.

“We, therefore, recommend that parents should not send children to school if they are unwell and should allow them to get tested. We strongly recommend vaccination of eligible school-aged children and advise parents to seek credible information on vaccination through talking to your paediatricians and other medical doctors when making decisions.”
(SD/BAMP)