Barbadians who have tested positive for COVID-19 but refuse to be picked up and cared for by public health officials have been warned of possible prosecution.
It was revealed recently by Government’s manager of home isolation facilities, Dr Adanna Grandison, that more than 300 people who had come down with the virus had either refused to be taken for care, or declined to get medical assistance.
The warning of prosecution and/or a fine was given by Attorney General Dale Marshall yesterday.
“Our COVID-19 (emergency) order requires that if a public health official determines that a person either has COVID-19 or may have it, then the official is entitled to require to put that person in isolation,” he said.
“An individual who refuses to cooperate when sent for, can find themselves facing the court, and may be liable to a $50 000 fine or up to a year imprisonment,” the Government’s chief legal advisor said.
Marshall also bemoaned the practice that has been reported where people who tested positive for the viral illness and were to be in home isolation, were instead moving around the island, for whatever reason.
“That is not only irresponsible, it is absolutely unlawful,” he said, adding that where found, such lawbreakers would be dealt with. (BA)
