Do not panic, but avoid coronavirus complacency, says Dr Waul

The medical practitioner with more than 20 years experience is urging calm but warns against complacency amid a mad rush by citizens to stock up on masks, gloves, hand sanitizers and other medical supplies.

“The fact of the matter is that it is a serious illness especially for older people, especially for persons who are already sick, persons with diabetes, heart disease, persons who are chronic smokers, so it has to be taken seriously,” Dr Waul told Old Harbour News hours after Health and Wellness Minister Dr Christopher Tufton announced at an emergency press conference that a Jamaican woman who entered the island on March 4 from the United Kingdom tested positive for COVID-19.

COVID-19 is a fast-spreading respiratory virus first detected in China late last year. Symptoms of the disease are flu-like such as fever, coughing, sneezing and difficulty breathing which makes it more difficult to detect and harder to contain its spread.

Globally the disease has spread to 114 countries with 118,332 confirmed cases, and 4,292 deaths as at March 11, data published by the World Health Organisation (WHO) indicates.

The united message from the WHO through its command chain in each country is one of absolute caution and total preparedness. Citizens are instructed through various communication channels to practice proper hygiene habits such as hand washing and general sanitization of their surroundings.

The elderly, newborns as well as persons with existing underlining health issues are most vulnerable and account for more than 90 percent of fatality so far.

But Dr Waul, the People’s National Party (PNP) candidate charged with the arduous task to unseat the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) incumbent Everald Warmington whenever the impending general election is called, issued a word of caution to persons who consider themselves very healthy.

“Even if you are young and fit it doesn’t mean you can go out there and catch it because you may give it someone or a loved one who has some pre-existing condition which may end up being fatal for them.

“So everybody should be careful, whether or not you can weather the sickness and recover from it, you should be careful,” the Old Harbour Bay native said.

Citing the proverbial prevention is better than cure mantra, Dr Waul added: “Try to keep your body fit. Get adequate rest, adequate hydration, try avoid smoking.

“If you know you don’t eat properly try and take vitamin supplements, hand washing is very important. Try avoid going into crowded areas, touching of the face, the mouth and the eyes. Avoid that at all cost.”

To learn more about the coronavirus visit this website established by the Government of Jamaica.