Further spike in COVID-19 cases could “break” our medical system

Social distancing is one of the key tactics being pushed to combat the spread of the very contagious COVID-19 disease. So, it is no surprise that recent protests have caused much worry among those within our health care system. The protests, mainly on the West Coast of Berbice, were spurred by the killings of teenage cousins Isaiah and Joel Henry, whose mutilated bodies were found in a Cotton Tree, West Coast Berbice backdam.

“The protest actions, especially in Region Five, were the most reckless acts thus far. While we were all aggrieved, our demonstrations were reckless and irresponsible and we only have ourselves to blame should this pandemic get out of control in Guyana,” said Dr. Bux. Drawing attention to the possible fallout from the protests, Dr. Zulfikar Bux, a weekly contributor to Kaieteur News, said, “I had pleaded previously for us to not gather in crowds to celebrate or protest the outcome of the elections. My plea was because of what I knew and what I’m seeing daily with this pandemic.” According to the Emergency Medicine Specialist, the coronavirus causing disease is one that “loves gatherings” since this is the best medium for it to spread and quickly cause a surge in cases. Moreover, transmission in a protesting crowd can become especially easy,

Dr. Bux explained, because persons may find it inconvenient to wear a mask while they try to voice their concerns. The heat of the day, the doctor noted too, can be a deterrent to adherence as well.

“Others tend to wipe their faces of sweat given the high temperatures and tense nature of the surroundings. All of these are factors that hasten the spread of the coronavirus from person to person. I worry that we will be seeing a surge in infections this week from the places where the protests occurred. This surge will spill over and hasten the spread of the infection throughout the country,” said Dr. Bux.

(Kaieteur News)