Only BOG determines quarantine location

Physicians and specialists are being asked to stop deciding where to put people who must stay in home quarantine as this could result in the unforeseen infection of others. Their decisions can also result in lawsuits. Professor Stephen Vreden made it clear that the Public Health Bureau (BOG) is the only legally authorized agency that can choose and approve of isolation locations. He also made it clear in a letter that ever since COVID19 popped up in Suriname in March officials chose to isolate all positive cases in facilities that had been selected by the government. This strategy has contributed to the fast and successful reduction of transmissions. “An emergency protocol regarding home quarantine was formulated in August when the isolation sites were getting too crowded. It was formulated with the cooperation of the physicians and the approval of the BOG.”

The internist/infectologist pointed out that last week’s dramatic increase in the number of COVID19 cases compels officials to beef up the precautionary measures without putting too much pressure on the hospital facilities. “I therefore urge you to stick to the current isolation policy and not to make personal decisions even when the person or relative asks for home quarantine. Leave this decision in the hands of the BOG.”