Should Grenada Cancel Carnival?

 By: Central Health - Grenada

 

Every year, directly after Carnival, many Grenadians and its nationals catch a bad cold.  This ‘carnival cold’ is such the norm, it is commonly given the name of one of the popular Soca or Calypso tunes of that year. In light of the rapid spread of the Coronavirus around the world, should Grenada cancel Carnival?

To date, Grenada’s Ministry of Health has done an admirable job in keeping the Coronavirus (NOCOVID-19) out of Grenada. Effective Sunday February 2, 2020 a travel ban was put into place.  Nationals coming from China may return, however they are automatically quarantined for 14 days – symptoms or no symptoms.  All foreigners attempting to enter Grenada from China, may not do so until 14 days have passed. To date, those quarantined, proved not to have the illness, and one by one are being released after their quarantined period ends.  

Additionally, effective February 26, 2020 Grenada’s Ministry of Health released a statement saying our island is now on an Importation Transmission Watch (ITW), which includes assessing exposure to risks monitoring events in the region, and providing pre-travel training.  This move to ignite this protocol is appropriate since NOCOVID-19 is not limited to just China. This decision is in keep with the protocols of Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) and the World Health Organisation (WHO). So it is clear, Grenada’s Ministry of Health appears to have their finger on the pulse of this situation. However, as of February 27, 2020 Grenada’s travel ban is limited to just China.

On February 26, 2020, CNN provided a report of countries around the world that have confirmed cases of the Coronavirus, here are a few examples:

Italy =322

Hong Kong =89 cases

South Korea = 89 cases

Japan = 147 cases + 691 cruise ship

Singapore =91 cases

Baharain=26 cases

France =16 cases

Iran=95 cases

Taiwan =32 cases

It’s a delicate balance - the revenue gained from Carnival versus a health crisis within our tri-island state. Should Grenada cancel Carnival or adjust its travel ban to include those countries that are being watched under the ITW? Is it safer to have less persons attend Carnival or cancel it all together?

The Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says there are three ways the Coronavirus is spread person to person:

• Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet)
• Via respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
• These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.

Their website also states that although it is not the main way, it can be spread when a person touches a surface where the virus is on and then touch, "their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes." Large public events will automatically put people in close proximity and raise the occurrence of secondary forms of transmission.

It will be interesting to see what is decided in the upcoming days or months.

-END-

Practice Sneeze Etiquette On The Bus

By: Central Health – Grenada

Considering hundreds of Grenadians travel on buses every day, and seated in close proximity to one another, all passengers should practice Sneeze Etiquette to prevent the spreading of germs. There are some people who hold no bar when sneezing, and seem oblivious to how much germs they are spreading in an enclosed space.  Although Grenada’s Ministry of Health has implemented a travel restriction on persons departing from China, part of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) constitution implies that citizens must co-operate to reduce the spread of general illnesses. 

The Centers for Disease and Control and Prevention’s (CDC) fact sheet entitled, ”Do Your Part to Slow the Spread of Flu” says sneeze droplets can travel as far as six (6) feet. Their website also states that, “Serious respiratory illnesses like influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), whooping cough, and severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) are spread by: Coughing or sneezing.” 

When asked what type of precautions passengers should take on the bus, Managing Director and Resident Physician of St. Augustine Medical Services Dr. L.N. Amechi says, “The best thing to do is to cough or sneeze into tissues and discard them into a paper or plastic bag which you are carrying for that purpose.  In the absence of tissues use a handkerchief, towel or “rag”. Last resort, cover your mouth with your sleeve and cough or sneeze into your elbow.  Always carry hand sanitizer, and clean your hands after every cough and sneeze.”  

Dr. Johansen Sylvester’s advice matches Dr. Amerchi’s, he said that if using a cotton cloth/bandanna these materials must be washed in bleach or disposed of at the end of the day. He also said do not sneeze into a cuffed fist and throw away used tissues as soon as possible, “When you sneeze turn away from others especially the elderly or very young.” Dr. Sylvester went on to say, “Avoid sitting in the very middle of the bus and reduce handing or holding on to the seats, when not necessary.” The physician also encourages bus drivers and passengers to use hand sanitizers, and especially after exchanging money.  He also recommends gargling with warm salt water two to three times per day, especially just before bedtime.

Most health practitioners, favour washing hands with soap and water. However, if not possible a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol can help prevent the spread of germs.