Prime Minister Gaston Browne is warning residents to expect more COVID-19 cases with the opening of boarders and the local economy.
However, Browne says while Antigua & Barbuda cannot run from the novel coronavirus, the country can manage it.
“And let us not fool ourselves, there will be new cases of Covid. I am not wishing it but it is unavoidable,” he said.
The prime minister told a sitting of the Lower House of Parliament that as residents abroad return home and as international flights resume COVID-19 will also enter. He said even with rapid testing for COVID errors can be made.
“As the member for St. Mary’s north indicated there are Antiguans waiting to come back home…and even though there will be a requirement for a test, these rapid result tests are not fool proof. It means therefore that some will slip through the cracks, they may test negative but eventually they may come here with Covid.”
Browne was at the time responding to opposition and other critics who are in favour of a more conservative approach to reopening.
He said the country cannot run from the virus by locking down the country, “you have to build your capacity to manage it.”
“And we stand by that position we must be able to manage the risk on Covid. So our resolve is to be in a position to live with and work with Covid, without contracting it and certainly without spreading it,” the prime minister said.
“There is no other way, this idea that we can lock down the country for years is utter nonsense,” he added.
Advertise with the mоѕt vіѕіtеd nеwѕ ѕіtе іn Antigua!
We offer fully customizable and flexible digital marketing packages.
Contact us at [email protected]
We all need to follow the guidelines set by the government and we should be able manage it,while our country get needed revenue.
Beautifully said
Life itself is always at risk from one thing or the other. Be ready to meet your God
We know.
This pandemic should be and eye opener for one and all. Let us be our brother’s keeping, while practicing social distance. Give and helping hand to those that are in need, love, and care for each other, because no man knows when death will appear. The government cannot to it by themselves, but we can, by doing what is right. This too shall pass, but for now we have to be prepared for the worst. Isolation is really not the answer.
We have to learn new ways and strategies on how to deal with this even when borders will be opening, good and packages importing into the country, these social practises that we have been practising will be needed during this time. So let us keep the faith, be positive and be strong while we fight to overcome.
Smh so I guess these pple will not be forcefully quarantined like the latters. @ Elizabeth you’re right.
When road house open?
😂😂😂🌴🌴🌴….
The People’s government and the Prime Minister are to be commended for the manner in which they have handled this crises. Thank you.
Nonsense! So the country will be opened to all and sundry. Do you not think it is a little too soon thus exposing its citizens to the strains of this virus!? l know this has to do with a monitary issue but had the parliamentarians not fattened themselves with big salaries and so many benefits, things would have been better. We are in debt up to our heads and yet we keep borrowing. Take a look at some of the other Caribbean countries, you all may learn a few things from and about them.
So what we poor working people suppose to do then? Maybe you have it to stay home but people need fu work cause hungry pikney, apua light and water, house rent and other expesives nah wait the next 18 months fu one vaccine. People have to work fu feed them family and pay bills.
The government and PM are right on track. Have faith and support one another. We all need it now more than ever. It’s good to open up, allow those to return home, allow travelers. The business is needed. The economy needs it. Like the flu or common cold, it will never be rid of completely; but it can be managed. The worst is over and the world is healing.
Finally common sense is prevailing, the cure cannot be worse than the problem, I prefer to die on my feet than live on my knees
The country must be opened ..we cannot keep the country closed & live in fear ..WE MUST adhere to the rules & guidelines. People need to work ..we have our family to feed …
Comments are closed.