Condition of first COVID19 patient is stable

The condition of the nation’s first COVID19 patient is reportedly stable.

Health Minister Antoine Elias and Health director Cleopatra Jessurun announced the news during the weekend. Up until Saturday night only one person had tested positive for the new coronavirus. Reports indicate that 18 people had been tested and that only one of them had been infected with the virus. Jessurun who pointed out that the patient is currently receiving the necessary medical care in the Wanica Hospital slammed rumors that suggest that the hospital is not suitable for the treatment of COVID-19 patients.

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and the World Health Organization (WHO) issued a statement to make clear that they have never stated that this new hospital is not suitable for COVID-19 patients.

The Health director made it clear that the medical workers have received the necessary training and that they have also been provided with the mandatory Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and clothes. Officials from the Ministry of Health held meetings with the nation’s hospital directors. The Health director gave her assurance that the hospitals would receive new supplies on time. She and Minister Elias urged the nation not to get all riled up by fake reports about the coronavirus. “People must base their actions on facts and not on fear or panic. The people must take preventative measures such as washing their hands regularly with soap and covering their noses and mouths,” said the minister.

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Slijngaard, coordinator at the National Coordination Center for Disaster Control (NCCR), pointed out that quarantine facilities are being established for people who are possibly infected with the coronavirus. One of these locations is the RCR-Zorg Hotel where 80 people can be accommodated. Slijngaard deems sports halls, hotels and special tents as suitable facilities. The number of quarantine facilities will be increased to 200 this week before being increased to 2,000.