Let’s be proactive
IN its situation report yesterday, the World Health Organization announced that 13 new countries/territories/areas had reported cases of COVID-19 in the past 24 hours.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said yesterday that Europe was now the epicentre of the pandemic, with more reported cases and deaths than the rest of the world combined, apart from China.
Many countries, according to the WHO, were now acting on the eight pillars of WHO’s Strategic Preparedness and Response Plan.
The WHO also published guidance on “Clinical management of severe acute respiratory infection (SARI) when COVID-19 disease is suspected” on March 13. The document provides clinicians with updated interim guidance on timely, effective, and safe supportive management of patients with suspected and confirmed COVID-19. There is a powerful recommendation as well.
“If you are not in an area where COVID-19 is spreading or have not travelled from an area where COVID-19 is spreading or have not been in contact with an infected patient, your risk of infection is low,” the situation report stated.
“It is understandable that you may feel anxious about the outbreak. Get the facts from reliable sources to help you accurately determine your risks so that you can take reasonable precautions. Seek guidance from WHO, your healthcare provider, your national public health authority or your employer for accurate information on COVID-19 and whether COVID-19 is circulating where you live. It is important to be informed of the situation and take appropriate measures to protect yourself and your family.”
This places Fijians in an interesting position. There are no cases of infection in Fiji. That much should place pressure on the powers that be to ensure it remains that way. Questions will focus on any openings that have the potential to disrupt this safety net. Attention was on cruise liner tourism and how effective our border security was. It was encouraging to see the Prime Minister, Voreqe Bainimarama, make those important directives yesterday in response to this major concern.
Emphasis will no doubt be focused on how effective we can be at the border security level, and how much effort is required to ensure the chances continue to be limited for the coronavirus to enter our country. Do we have the political will to go all out? It seems we may very well have the response to that question already. There are no cases of infection right now. Let’s pull out all stops to keep it that way. It is never going to be a walk in the park for us all.
It is encouraging to note the attention now placed on major events and on mass gatherings in Fiji. Our neighbours Australia and New Zealand have made no bones about their intentions. NZ PM Jacinda Ardern made a very powerful statement on Saturday, when she stopped all cruise liners from visiting her country, on the back of what were the strictest border control rules in the world.
“I make no apologies. This is an unprecedented time,” she said.
“We understand these decisions are disappointing people but we have to prioritise people’s health.”
The WHO says: “For most people, COVID-19 infection will cause mild illness, however, it can make some people very ill and, in some people, it can be fatal.”
Let’s not panic. But let’s be proactive, vigilant, and committed to doing the right thing! Be aware, understand and try and appreciate what needs to be done to stay safe. The powers that be are, without a doubt, on notice.