Ministry of Health announces health guidelines for Carnival 2022

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Introduction

COVID-19 continues to a pandemic and a threat to humans. Since March 2022, the number of cases has increased globally and in Antigua and Barbuda.

There have also been a number of variants that increase transmissibility, serious disease, hospitalizations and deaths. In addition to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared monkeypox disease a public health emergency of international concern.

The current carnival celebrations in Antigua and Barbuda include mass gatherings that can facilitate the spread of COVID-19 and monkeypox in the twin island state. These gatherings are characterized by the concentration of people at different locations. They include public and private functions and may be both planned and spontaneous.

These guidelines are intended to provide information and advice to the general public on measures that can be taken to reduce transmission and subsequent

 

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infection, illness and deaths from COVID-19 disease and monkeypox during

 

Carnival 2022.

 

 

 

 

 

Monkeypox and COVID-19 Risks During Carnival 2022

 

COVID-19 Transmission

 

 

The COVID-19 virus, SARS CoV-2 is directly transmitted between persons from respiratory droplets. The virus can also remain on surfaces and inanimate objects that can serves as sources of infection.

 

 

 

Monkeypox Transmission

 

 

The monkeypox virus is spread from person to person by direct contact with the rash, bodily fluids (fluid, pus or blood from skin lesions), and scabs. Clothing, sheets, towels and other objects can also be sources of infection. The virus is also transmitted from a pregnant mother to her unborn child. Respiratory secretions can also be a source of infection.

 

 

 

Monkeypox and COVID-19 Disease Prevention During Carnival 2022

 

 

  • People with signs and symptoms consistent with monkeypox and COVID-19 disease should:

 

 

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  • refrain from close contact with any other individuals;

 

  • avoid attending gatherings;

 

  • follow the advice issued by the Ministry of Health Wellness and the Environment.

 

  • Close contact, including sexual contact, with someone who has signs and symptoms consistent with monkeypox should be avoided.

 

  • Close contact with someone who has signs and symptoms consistent with COVID-19 should be avoided.

 

  • Persons are encouraged to practice physical distancing.

 

 

  • There should be frequent handwashing and use of alcohol based hand sanitizers.

 

  • The wearing of face masks is encouraged.

 

General Advice

 

 

  • Persons are encouraged to stay hydrated by drinking adequate amounts of water.

 

  • Alcohol should be used in moderation.

 

  • Avoid the excessive use of alcohol and intoxication.

 

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  • Always have a designated driver if you intend to consume large amounts of alcohol.

 

  • Avoid tobacco use and cannabis abuse.

 

  • Please use sunscreen since this reduces your risk of developing skin cancer.

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16 COMMENTS

  1. And please use condoms. These decrease the risk of hpv and hiv and unwanted children.
    Smh guidelines guidelines guidelines

  2. These guidelines sucks. Give me a break!… How can one adhere to these guidelines in that environment?

    Prepare for an outbreak of either after all the fun.
    God help us!

  3. I do not know why people are so crazy over carnival..when they know what is going on.sacrificing the life of their family just for a little fun.

  4. We have them right where we want them, will blame the spread on their reckless behaviour. Even if anyone brought the monkey pox from outside of this country we will put the blame on the revellers here, we cannot wait till election if we get another term to put them back in bondage

  5. “People are encouraged to practice physical distancing”. Meh belly, meh belly, meh belly. What was this group drinking that came up with this?

  6. “People are asked to practice physical distancing”. Meh belly! What were these guideline writers smoking?

    • Sir Fauci has some blind followers. During these last eight years, common sense at the highest level has become taboo.

  7. Carnival is about drinking and dancing. Revelry. I cannot understand for the light of day someone that we think is educated would send out something like this. Really. Last evening on the news the chief medical officer sounded so foolish telling people to social distance as a guideline during carnival. Get real. If you don’t stand for something you would fall for anything. If you stand for principle stand up and say as a medical person it is dangerous to be in large gathering. So when you are drinking, dancing up on each other almost nude you are at great risk to get Covid 19 and or Monkey Pox. Tell Antigua as a medical person and knowing what you know you and your family are staying far away. Tell John public I am Trinidadian and you love carnival but you are skipping this one.

  8. NOW
    Melford Nicholas said that their were no restrictions for carnival see press conference.
    The PM said there will be no restrictions for carnival.
    These questions were put to them before the start of the carnival season.
    NOW THE CARNIVAL SEASON IS ALMOST OVER MINISTRY OF HEALTH SUDDENLY GOT A VOICE?

    NOW REALLY THIS IS DELIBERATE a wilful act of cruelty this was a set up.

    Nice root with plenty fresh air to the stadium then all of a sudden in town clustered no fresh air. WOW PEOPLE WAKE UP NOW

    • @Melchedidec…

      …nothing, as in #no #thing
      …‘this, the only #thing
      …which, happens by mistake!
      …all others are by,
      #design
      #default
      #destiny
      …as, TIME is left in its own wake!

  9. Here’s an idea. Why don’t we all practice personal responsibility and stay home from carnival? Protect yourself, your family and your friends. Be patriotic, and do the right thing. Do it so we can all get back to normal – LOL…Sounds ridiculous when it’s not being applied to the experimental jab doesn’t it?

  10. My guidelines for carnival:
    I. Got my vaccination for covid
    2. Self-test before going to jouvert
    3. If I get covid, chicken pox or money pox, call my doctor and get a sick note
    4. Go to the beach

  11. Wait….did i just read a press release from the m-m-m-ministry of health that does not mention COVID-19 “vaccination”? I read it over twice. Could they be finally realizing the obvious???

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