PAHO Reiterates Pandemic is Not Over

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Just days before Bahamas Carnival makes a return, the Pan American Health Organization is reminding Bahamians the pandemic is not over, and everyone has a personal responsibility to stop the spread of COVID-19.

Here’s Kristina Dragovich.

PAHO Director, Dr. Carissa Etienne issuing a timely reminder as COVID-19 case numbers in The Bahamas and around the region continue to climb.

Recently, Dr. Etienne says 13 countries in the Caribbean have seen a rise in hospitalizations.

PAHO officials say mask-wearing and social distancing have served us well over the past two years.

But after a period of low case numbers, many countries, including The Bahamas, are considering removing the mask-mandate, and approving large-scale events.

When asked about precautions ahead of Bahamas Carnival’s Survival Weekend this weekend, PAHO Director of Health Emergencies, Dr. Ciro Ugarte says individuals should take measures to keep themselves and their communities safe.

More than 166,000 Bahamians and residents are considered fully vaccinated against COVID in The Bahamas.