At the start of the week Patrick Dely from the Department of Epidemiology, Laboratories and Research of the Ministry of Public Health, Ms. Myriam Jean Minister of Tourism and Ms. Raina Forbin, President of the Tourist Association of Haiti (ATH) held a meeting around health concerns following the alarming rise in Covid19 cases around the world, particularly during this festive end-of-year period (Note that since July 9 the Ministry no longer communicates statistical information on cases of Imported Covid, while the Scientific Committee is pointing fingers at the Florida diaspora and the Dominicans to explain the increase in cases in Haiti...)

After discussions on the current context and the general behavior of the population in relation to the pandemic, immediate measures / actions were suggested:

1- Systematic disclosure and communication of daily reports on the statistical development of the cases tested;

2- Mandatory submission of data relating to suspected cases tested by all centers involved in the management of Covid-19;

3- Reactivation of the multi-sectoral team engaged in the fight against Covid-19;

4- Increased and expanded communication in order to re-mobilize awareness of the COVID-19 disease, because according to the general observation, the population no longer afraid of the disease, has completely lowered their guard and no longer respects the barrier measures that can prevent the spread of the pandemic;

5- Make available and effective online the health form required by the Ministry of Public Health for travelers.

As a follow-up to this meeting, the multi-sectoral team working on the reopening of airports since July 2020, is planning an extended meeting on Thursday, December 17, with a view to continuing to monitor with all the actors involve and report to the supervisory authorities, that will be able to react in time.

HL/ HaitiLibre