Basseterre, St. Kitts, February 11, 2021 (SKNIS): With the emergence of new variants of the Coronavirus and the possibility of them reaching the Federation, it is necessary for persons to continue adhering to the prevention and control measures, says Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Hazel Laws.
Dr. Laws was at the time speaking at the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) Press Briefing on February 10. She said that wearing face masks is very important at this time.
“As a matter of fact, the latest information coming out is that wearing two masks is going to provide you that additional protection against the new variants,” she said. “So, prior to this we advocated one mask, but the science and the latest information are suggesting that with the emergence of these new variants you may have to wear two masks because these new variants are associated with increased transmissibility.”
“There is a risk of spreading this virus to many other persons and these risks are associated with reinfection and the variant first identified in the United Kingdom is associated with an increased risk of death. So, those who are living in the countries where these variants were first identified I see pictures of them wearing double masks. What they do is wear the surgical mask as the first layer and then they put on a cloth mask over the surgical mask.”
Also vital is maintaining proper hand hygiene and sanitizing high touch areas, said Dr. Laws. Maintaining a physical distance of three to six feet between individuals and avoiding crowds were also listed as significant.
“These are the measures along with the vaccine that are going to help us to get through this pandemic and help us to get through 2021,” she said.
]]>NIA CHARLESTOWN NEVIS (February 11, 2021) — Members of the public who are hosting funeral and wedding ceremonies are reminded to observe the COVID-19 protocols put in place for funerals and weddings for their safety.
The call came from Superintendent Cromwell Henry, Divisional Commander for District ‘A’ in the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force (RSCNPF) while delivering his presentation at the weekly National Emergency Operation Centre COVID-19 briefing on February 10, 2021, at the National Emergency Management Agency’s conference room in St. Kitts.
He says he is addressing the matter following concerns by Commissioner of Police Hilroy Brandy, due to the non-compliance of the COVID-19 protocols at these gatherings, particularly funerals.
“We understand that funerals are a time for mourning the loss of a loved one, and they are necessary. However, the virus does not respect the occasion, and persons not taking precaution are at risk even at a funeral. The COVID-19 Act sets out the protocols to be followed at funerals and weddings. Section 11 states: A person may attend a funeral except that the funeral shall have a maximum duration not exceeding one hour.
“The seating arrangements shall allow for a minimum of six feet between persons, and distance markers must indicate where each person must sit. The total number of persons that may be permitted to attend inside of the building is one person for every 30 square feet. That is 6 feet x 5 feet. Similar protocols apply for weddings,” he said.
In addition to the physical distancing protocol, the senior police officer says sanitizing must be carried out.
“The venue must be sanitized prior to the service and persons entering or attending must have their hands sanitized, and every person must wear a face mask for the duration of the event. Remember, the same protocols apply for weddings. Persons attending weddings must wear face masks, must have sanitization before and during the ceremony, and if you are having a reception after the wedding that must seek for permission from the Commissioner of Police.
“We therefore recommend that persons go to the website: [www.] police.kn and make application to host your wedding ceremony and reception,” he said.
Superintendent Henry urged funeral undertakers, wedding planners, pastors and other church leaders to pay particular attention to these protocols that are stipulated by law, and to ensure that these services are compliant with the laws, as they are intended to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
“Remember protocols apply for these events notwithstanding that you may consider them religious events. The virus does not discriminate and you are at the same risk if you do not follow the protocols. So follow good hand hygiene sanitization practices, wear your face mask and maintain your social distancing at all times,” he said.
]]>BASSETERRE, St. Kitts, December 02, 2020 (Press Unit in the Office of the Prime Minister) – The Christmas/Carnival Season in St. Kitts and Nevis is usually a festive time for thousands of Kittitians and Nevisians, many of whom gather for numerous social and private events.
But this season, as the world continues to grapple with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Prime Minister Dr. the Honourable Timothy Harris is urging citizens and residents to continue to observe the non-pharmaceutical measures established to safeguard against the spread of deadly virus.
“As we get into Christmas and the traditional Carnival persons tend to lose sight, not just of the message of Christmas, but lose sight of the imperative to continue to hold strain in terms of what we have been advised we must do,” Prime Minister Harris said during his Tuesday, December 01 Press Conference, held at the NEMA Conference Room.
The prime minister added, “We must act appropriately by strict compliance with the non-pharmaceutical measures such as the wearing of masks, hand hygiene, and physical and social distancing. The hosting of events with large crowds, particularly where persons will consume alcohol or drugs and engage in constant face to face or body contact can lead to the spread of the virus. These events must be kept to a minimum and better, yet they should be avoided.”
As prime minister, Dr. the Honourable Timothy Harris is leading by example. Dr. Harris used the occasion of the press conference to announce the cancellation of the annual Prime Minister’s New Year’s Gala – a highly anticipated event that brings hundreds of people together.
“This event would normally bring upward of 500 persons in a single space at the Marriott Hotel. I have concluded that it would not send the right signal to have such an event in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic,” Prime Minister Harris stated, while encouraging the gala’s usual patrons to contribute the money saved towards a worthwhile or charitable cause.
The St. Kitts and Nevis prime minister concluded that although several vaccines appear ready or near ready for human use “all we have now are our masks, practicing proper hand hygiene, and the distancing.”
]]>Basseterre, St. Kitts, October 07, 2020 (SKNIS): As St. Kitts and Nevis prepares to reopen its borders to international commercial flights and travelers from October 31, 2020, the general public is strongly encouraged to continue to adhere to all COVID-19 health and safety protocols that were implemented to keep citizens and residents safe from the spread of the Coronavirus.
“In preparation for the imminent opening of our borders, we have insisted that our citizens and residents comply with all health protocols especially the wearing of masks in public, frequent hand washing, physical and social distancing and we encourage our citizens and residents to avoid crowds and areas of heavy congestion,” said Prime Minister Dr. the Honourable Timothy Harris on October 06 edition of ‘Leadership Matters’, a virtual forum on ZIZ TV.
Prime Minister Harris said that the Federation has come “a long way in its successful management of COVID-19 cases” and as a nation designated by the US-based Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as a very low-risk destination, citizens and residents should continue to ensure that all protocols are followed as such practices will redound to the benefit of everyone.
“These practices have to become second nature to us as we work to protect ourselves, our families, our friends and loved ones. Given that all our cases of COVID-19 to date are travel-related or imported, strict compliance with the health protocols is the only way to contain the spread of the virus thereby minimizing any strain on our small health system and loss of employment and productivity due to quarantine, isolation or hospitalization,” Dr. Harris added.
Practicing proper hygiene and caring for one’s health have always been emphasized by health officials and other key stakeholders. Citizens and residents have always been encouraged to follow several hygienic precautionary practices such as frequently washing hands, avoiding touching eyes, nose and mouth and practising respiratory hygiene such as covering one’s mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when one coughs or sneezes. The used tissue should then be disposed of immediately in a waste bin.
Very early on the government implemented measures to ensure the safety of citizens and residents. On March 25, 2020, the government closed the borders to all commercial airline flights to continue protecting citizens and residents against COVID-19 (Novel Coronavirus). However, flights for medical emergencies and International Air cargo and cargo by seafaring vessels were exempted to maintain connectivity and enable the Federation to import much-needed commodities such as food, fuel, medical supplies and equipment. To this day, the government and key stakeholders continue to play their part to ensure that every citizen and resident is protected against the spread of the virus.
]]>Basseterre, St. Kitts, August 12, 2020 (SKNIS): As the Ministry of Education prepares for the return of students to learning institutions for the 2020-2021 Academic year commencing on September 07, several protocols have been implemented to cater to their health and safety.
On Wednesday’s (August 12) edition of ‘Working for You’, Chief Education Officer (CEO), Dr. Debbie Isaac, outlined the steps that will be taken to safeguard everyone.
“All students, staff and visitors who arrived at the school compounds are required to wear a mask that covers both their nose and mouth. We want to ensure that our students, staff members, administration know that as they come into the schools that they would be wearing their masks properly,” said Dr. Isaac, adding that no one will be allowed on the school compounds wearing handkerchiefs, scarfs or bandanas (head ties).
The CEO said that temperature checks will be carried out daily and results will be recorded in a screening record book.
“Temperatures will be checked using an infrared thermometer. Any student who is found to have an elevated temperature above 99 degrees Fahrenheit would be asked to sit for five minutes in an area [set] aside for them. We will recheck them after five minutes,” she said. “Students whose temperatures remain elevated should be taken to the isolated area. Parents will be notified to collect their children and take them to the nearest health facility, then the principal of the school will contact the Ministry of Health,” Dr. Isaac added.
CEO Isaac noted that staff and visitors who show respiratory symptoms and have high temperatures will not be allowed to enter the premises. However, if a staff member or student develops flu-like symptoms while on the compound he or she will be taken to the designated isolation area. In the case of students, they will remain there until their parents collect them.
Dr. Isaac noted that measures are also being put in place to accommodate social and physical distancing. She said that distance markers are placed on the floors in areas such as offices, classrooms, hand sanitization stations, cafeterias. She appealed to everyone to comply with the instructions given by the security guards.
She said that posters with information and direction will be mounted all over the institutions and students will be kept informed concerning the protocols.
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