St Philip District Hospital, Barbados records COVID-19 outbreak

Jezreel, Barbados: Following the COVID-19 Outbreak in the St Philip District Hospital, the Ministry of Health and Wellness has advised restricting the visits to the C1 Ward of the centre on Friday (January 12). The ward at St Philip District Hospital will remain restricted until further notice is announced. Reportedly, On Friday, the hospital witnessed around 12 Suspected cases related to COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses. None of the patients were seriously ill. However, the Ministry has devised this step to prevent risks of unforeseeable conditions. Further, it also ensured that the health officials used various infection, prevention, and control methods to prevent the virus from spreading to other patients and staff of St Philip District Hospital. The Ministry added that it would also continue to monitor the situation in Barbados and other regions, especially in Tourists, as it relates to COVID-19 and other severe respiratory illnesses.

PAHO spreads awareness on SARS-CoV-2

Earlier, the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) also warned of the circulation of SARS-CoV-2 and other respiratory viruses in the region. The organisation urged countries to properly check their health services and ensure appropriate and effective medication for respiratory viruses. It also urged them to remain alert at all levels in order to respond to a possible increase in outpatient cases and hospitalisations.

Further, they also reminded that the nation should protect those persons who are most vulnerable, including older citizens, those over age 65, as well as those with non-communicable diseases.

Vulnerable individuals should also exercise caution, and while mask-wearing is not mandatory, it should be considered on a case-by-case basis. Notably, The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) is studying "Health Workers and Vaccination in the Caribbean" in thirteen Caribbean countries. The information obtained will help support COVID-19 vaccination and vaccine in general efforts in 13 Caribbean countries. These countries are Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, British Virgin Islands, Dominica, French Guiana, Grenada, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Montserrat, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. In 2023, the Organisation also revealed that elevated levels of acute respiratory disease were recorded in the region, “driven by the circulation of SARS-CoV-2, influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus.”

St Philip District Hospital, Barbados records COVID-19 outbreak

PAHO spreads awareness on SARS-CoV-2

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