No changes to COVID-19 protocols necessary at this time, says Health Minister, since there are no hospitalizations
Health officials do not plan to change any of the protocols governing COVID-19 at this time, including the optional wearing of masks.
Minister of Health Sir Molwyn Joseph informed the Cabinet on Wednesday, June 1, that adjusting the protocols depends on the number of patients suffering from the virus – which at the moment is zero.
Hence, there is no need to make any adjustments at present.
Further, he reports that infected patients are fewer than 200, and these are isolated. He adds that the number of infections has begun to decline following “the post-Labour Day swing upwards that was registered.”
The most recently published dashboard shows 42 new lab-confirmed COVID-19 cases, as of Tuesday May 31. Eighty-four samples were processed from which these positive cases were realized.
Twenty-seven people recovered from the effects of the virus during this time.
Therefore, the total number of lab-confirmed cases in the country is now 8,295, inclusive of 182 active cases.
Meanwhile, Joseph continues to admonish nationals and residents about Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) that plague the community.
According to the Health Minister, “Too much salt, sugar and starches form part of the diet that imperils the good health of the Antiguan and Barbudan people.”
Joseph says that inactive lifestyles contribute significantly to NCDs; therefore, he is encouraging people of all ages to walk, run and practice healthy lifestyles and to eat balanced meals.
