The Pandemic Is Not Over

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Although our neighbors to the north have dropped the mask mandate on air travel and in most public spaces, the Pan American Health Organization is warning that the Covid-19 pandemic is not yet over.

Pan American Health Organization Director, Dr. Carissa Etienne encouraging all countries in the Americas to continue wearing masks, among other public health measures, even in periods of low transmission.

Dr. Etienne says in the Americas, new Covid cases are down nearly two-point-three percent, compared to the prior week, while deaths are 15.2 percent down compared to the previous week.

However, cases increased in North America, particularly in Canada, where the country saw hospitalizations rise by more than 20-percent with the spread of the Omicron BA.2 variant.

Dr. Etienne says we are still in a public health emergency of international concern and countries should be prepared to scale up restrictions quickly if the rates of hospitalizations and deaths rise.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism Chester Cooper, yesterday indicated Cabinet would review public health measures, including mask-wearing, in The Bahamas.

PAHO Director of Emergencies, Dr. Ciro Ugarte weighs in, saying, “Decision-makers in each country should apply a risk-based approach.”