“Still no COVID-19 cool off phase”

“There is still no cooling off phase of COVID19 in Suriname,” Health Minister Amar Ramadhin told Times of Suriname. “We have noticed a drastic drop in the number of positive COVID19 cases in the past two weeks. The numbers kept dropping and we think that it has reached a reasonably stable level. The experts will convene to look at the developments of the virus in Suriname to determine in which phase the virus is in Suriname,” said Minister Ramadhin who added that the people consciously stick to the COVID19 rules. “The people have made a significant contribution in reducing the number of COVID19 infections in the country. The lockdown measures and the strict control have also helped,” said the minister who pointed out that there were ads on various media channels from bars, terraces and cafés that are organizing events with DJ’s, karaoke and live entertainment with singers. Parties are also being organized in closed rooms. Yelling and talking loudly including singing are not permitted for terrace dining. Parties including house parties are prohibited. The authorities will take firm action against violators. “We keep warning the people not to attend such events because the threat is still out there,” said Minister Ramadhin who added that there was a second wave of infections in countries after the measures were relaxed after the number of infections plummeted. In some countries the second wave was even worse than the first one. “Just look at the Netherlands and other European countries where the number of infections are rising again. So we are not in a hurry to relax the measures in Suriname.”