(CMC) The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) is appealing to Caribbean and other nationals to avoid travel and large gathering during the holidays.
On Wednesday, PAHO said that holiday season gatherings and travel involve risks and based on this the public is being urged to follow the guidance of national and local health authorities to make the season as safe as possible during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“During a pandemic, there is no such thing as a risk-free holiday season. Every gathering, every shopping trip, and every travel plan increases the chances of spreading the virus,” said PAHO’s Assistant Director Jarbas Barbosa during a press briefing here.
“It’s critical that everyone continue to practice the public health measures that we know are effective in controlling the spread of the virus,” such as wearing a mask in public, including in the presence of persons from other households, and keeping a safe distance from others, Barbosa added.
He urged the public to also avoid the “3Cs” – spaces that are closed, crowded or involve close contact with others, and wash their hands often.
“These measures are especially important as we enter the holiday season” when communities congregate to mark religious celebrations and generations of families come together to give thanks,” Barbosa said.
“PAHO and WHO (World Health Organization) recommend that countries experiencing widespread transmission of the virus should seriously consider postponing or reducing mass gatherings,” he added. “This is not the time to be hosting any large gatherings.
“Each country, city and community should base decisions about hosting public events on the latest available data – especially data that show where the virus is spreading and whether health systems have enough capacity to keep up with cases,” Barbosa continued.
He warned that even smaller indoor gatherings can be especially risky, “because they bring together groups of people, young and old, from different households, who may not all be adhering to the same infection prevention measures.
“They should be held outside when possible, and participants should wear masks and maintain social distance,” Barbosa said. “If held indoors, limiting group size and choosing well-ventilated areas can help reduce exposure.”
With respect to travel, the PAHO assistant director said people should be cautious, stating that the safest option is to stay home.
“PAHO does not recommend relying on laboratory tests for travelers. Yet, we’ve seen countries across our region and throughout the world place testing at the heart of their travel policies. This cannot guarantee safe travel or eliminate the risks related to infected travelers, and resources can be used in other ways yielding a greater public health impact,” Barbosa said.
In reviewing the situation in the Americas, including the Caribbean, Barbosa said there have been more than 25 million cases and over 700,000 deaths, adding that, in the last week alone, there were 1.5 million cases, marking the highest weekly numbers since the start of the pandemic.
“While a rapid surge of infections in the United States has been a major driver, cases are continuing to accelerate in some countries of North, Central and South America as part of a mosaic of different epidemiological patterns we’re seeing,” Barbosa said.
He noted news about the efficacy of vaccines reported by various pharmaceutical companies, stating that “many people are understandably encouraged by recent developments in the search for an effective COVID-19 vaccine, but we must continue to be patient and cautious because it will be months before a vaccine is widely available.
“The individual decisions we make this holiday season won’t just affect the people closest to us, they will also impact our communities,” Barbosa warned.
He said throughout the pandemic, countries have changed how people work, go to school and participate in civic life, “so that we can keep our friends and families as safe and healthy as possible.
“The holidays should be no different,” Barbosa said. “People are planning virtual dinners, broadcasting virtual celebrations and opting for smaller ceremonies, even if it means making personal sacrifices.”
