COVID Czar Richard Carter believes the socio-demographic situation in Barbados represents an almost perfect storm for the COVID-19 virus and potential for adverse outcomes.
Speaking on national television tonight, Carter said a large proportion of our population is elderly people who are more likely to get sick and require medical attention and therefore more likely to die if contracting the flu-like virus.
He said there is a significant number of elderly people with non-communicable diseases such as hypertension and diabetes and these factors are cause for concern.
The COVID Czar briefly referenced a chart he had prepared and showed that while 31 per cent of the population is over 50 years old, this group represented 68 per cent of the COVID-19 cases.
Carter also referred to measures put in place by Government to limit exposure of the elderly to COVID-19.
Concerning access to food, Carter said discussions are ongoing with a subcommittee of Cabinet, retailers and distributors to give access to food in a way that was commercially appropriate and ensured the public health protocol of physical distancing was adhered to.
He said that again today, he saw too much traffic and maintained that the guidelines were very clear: A 24-hour curfew where people should only be out for limited reasons such as doctor’s visits or collecting essential supplies.
Barbados recorded a second COVID19-related death today and the number of positive cases reached 60. There are 52 people in isolation. (KG)
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