Media Release: Public health measures to control COVID-19 critical

<—- Latest News Homepage



by PAHO

DATA SUGGESTS THAT NEW VARIANTS OF THE VIRUS CAN SPREAD MORE EASILY; ACCELERATING THE THREAT TO HEALTH SYSTEMS.

The appearance of new variants of the COVID-19 virus in several countries of the Americas, combined with an acceleration in the virus’s spread in virtually every country in the Americas, makes it critical to continue public health measures such as social distancing, wearing masks, and washing hands often, Pan American Health Organization Director Carisa F. Etienne said today.

“Our collective ability to keep up with these measures has the power to determine the trajectory of this year. If we remain diligent, we have the power to control this virus; if we relax, make no mistake, 2021 could well be far worse than 2020,” Etienne told a press briefing today.



She said, “Since the start of this pandemic, over 39 million people across the Americas have become infected by COVID-19 and over 925,000 of them have succumbed to the virus. In the last week alone, 2.5 million people were infected with COVID-19 in our region – the highest weekly cases since the virus first reached our shores. “

PAHO’s genomics surveillance network of 21 laboratories has been tracking the spread of the virus and mutations, she highlighted, and the variant first seen circulating in the United Kingdom has now been reported in eight countries: Brazil, Canada, Chile, Ecuador, Jamaica, Mexico, Peru, and the USA. In addition, Brazil and Canada have reported seeing another variant that was first reported in South Africa.

“At this time, there is no evidence to suggest that these variants affect patients differently, but early data does suggest that the virus can spread more easily, accelerating the threat to our health systems at a time in which they are already close to capacity,” Etienne said.



One vaccine has been approved by WHO to date and more are underway. Some countries in the region have started vaccinating health workers and vulnerable groups, but “as long as doses remain limited, we can’t rely on vaccinations to flatten the pandemic curve,” she said.

PAHO’s priorities in 2021 include ensuring equitable access to protective equipment for health workers, medications and hospital care when required, and vaccines.

“With the arrival of vaccines, we must ensure not just that doses are produced quickly, but that they’re equitably delivered and swiftly across every country – regardless of income. This will require global and regional collaboration and solidarity, with donors pitching in resources through mechanisms like the COVAX Facility,” the Director noted.



PAHO is working with all countries in the Americas to help secure the vaccine doses countries need to protect their populations. “We’re also providing support with vaccine demand planning, logistics and cold chain management, surveillance and information system strengthening, health worker training, and vaccine communication planning, among others,” Etienne said

“Luckily, our region has a strong legacy of immunization,” she emphasized, noting that through PAHO’s Revolving Fund, “Member States pool their national resources to procure vaccines and related products at the lowest price. COVID will be a challenge, but one I believe that we can meet by working together.”

In the year ahead, political leaders will face difficult choices to flatten the transmission curve. Leaders need to act transparently and proactively so that the public understands their decisions and the scientific evidence that supports them.

Related Articles

February 16, 2023 / Regional News, St Lucia Media Releases

PRIME MINISTER HON. PHILIP J. PIERRE WILL ATTEND THE FORTY-FOURTH (44TH) REGULAR MEETING OF THE CONFRENCE OF HEADS OF GOVERNMENT OF THE CSRIBBEAN COMMUNITY (CARICOM)

PRIME MINISTER HON. PHILIP J. PIERRE WILL ATTEND THE FORTY-FOURTH (44TH) REGULAR MEETING OF THE CONFRENCE OF HEADS OF GOVERNMENT...
Read More
September 29, 2022 / Regional News, St Lucia Media Releases

Police Probe Discovery Of Partially Decomposed Body In Dennery

Police are investigating the discovery of the partially decomposed body of a man on Wednesday near the Fond D’Or beach...
Read More
September 29, 2022 / Regional News, St Lucia Media Releases

Anthony ‘Disappointed’ That Vieux Fort South No Longer A Venue For Blackheart Football

Parliamentary Representative for Vieux Fort South, Dr. Kenny D. Anthony, says that he welcomes the commencement of the 2022 Blackhearts...
Read More
September 29, 2022 / Regional News, St Lucia Media Releases

ECCB Takes Steps To Address Bank Fees, Charges

The Governor of the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) Timothy N. J. Antoine has outlined measures the ECCB is taking...
Read More
July 28, 2022 / St Lucia Media Releases

St Lucia: Julien Alfred promises her best for the 2022 Commonwealth Games

ATHLETICS COACH SAYS THE SPRINT STAR CONTINUES TO EXCEL AND RAISE THE BAR. Saint Lucian sprint star, Julien Alfred, says...
Read More
July 27, 2022 / St Lucia Media Releases

Thirteen athletes to represent Saint Lucia at Commonwealth Games

THE GAMES BEGIN ON JULY 28. Thirteen athletes will represent Saint Lucia at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, England, from...
Read More
July 26, 2022 / St Lucia Media Releases

St Lucia: Citizens receive immediate financial support to cope with inflation

PENSIONERS EACH RECEIVE A ONE-TIME EC$500 DIRECT DEPOSIT, A TOTAL OF EC$1.5 MILLION. The Government of Saint Lucia led by...
Read More
July 26, 2022 / St Lucia Media Releases

St. Lucia: Government launches new ePassport

THE NEW PASSPORT OFFERS A HIGHER LEVEL OF SECURITY FEATURES. The launching ceremony for the new technologically-advanced travel document was...
Read More
July 12, 2022 / Regional News, St Lucia Media Releases

Monkeypox: Saint Lucia Remains ‘Very Vigilant’ As Jamaica Confirms Its First Case

Health, Wellness, and Elderly Affairs Minister Moses Jn Baptiste has told reporters that Saint Lucia remains ‘very vigilant’ for the...
Read More
July 12, 2022 / St Lucia Media Releases

Top-Level Government Officers To Participate In Public Policy Workshops

The Office of the Prime Minister is pleased to announce the commencement of a series of workshops on Developing Public...
Read More
1 2 3 141