With Barbados’ COVID-19 numbers almost doubling in the last 24 hours, Minister of Health and Wellness Ian Gooding-Edghill is tightening up on Government’s decision to maintain mask mandates, despite calls for an ease from those in the tourism sector.
In fact, he disclosed yesterday his ministry will be ramping up the distribution of masks in the coming days while giving the assurance there will be no rolling back of eases in protocols due to the spike in cases, which health officials believe is due to the Omicron sub-variant Ba2.
Gooding-Edghill, who was speaking at a virtual COVID-19 press briefing, revealed that discussions had started with Attorney General Dale Marshall for a ticketing system for protocol breaches such as the wearing of masks in public spaces, as opposed to prosecution.
Highly recommended
“We are aware of the concerns regarding face masks but masks are still highly recommended and effective in reducing the impact of COVID. The Ministry of Health and Wellness, through its health promotion officers and volunteers, will be increasing the distribution of masks in the communities,” he said. (CLM)
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