The Ministry of Health is sensitizing the public on safety measures that should be practiced during the carnival season.
While Lucian Carnival draws tourists and expatriates from all over the world, the Senior Medical Officer for Infectious Disease, Dr. Michelle Francois, cautioned that persons need to be responsible.
“We know that carnival is a time where persons of all different backgrounds let their hair down and engage in the activities scheduled for this season. We encourage all to do so in a very responsible manner,” she said. “During the season, at many of these activities, persons tend to consume alcohol and we are aware of the effects of alcohol on the brain in that it reduces your reflex time and causes persons to engage in activities which they would not normally do when sober.
“Activities such as engaging in risky sexual behaviors are of concern to the Ministry of Health. By risky behaviors we refer to persons engaging in casual sex, having multiple partners, as well as having unprotected sex. Condoms have been proven to reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections such as HIV, the virus responsible for AIDS. It also reduces the risk of pregnancy. So we are asking persons to get tested, to know your status, and be responsible this carnival season. For persons who choose not to abstain, we ask that you use condoms every time you have sex.”
Dr. Francois added that condoms are available at wellness centers around the island and at the Infectious Disease Unit in the Ministry of Health.
The Ministry of Health wishes the public a safe, responsible and enjoyable carnival season.
Lucian Carnival festivities began on May 31, and will end on July 18.
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