By Chantalé Fletcher
THIRTY staff members at the Scarborough General Hospital (SGH) have tested positive for Covid-19 in Tobago.
This according to County Medical Officer of Health for Tobago Dr Tiffany Hoyte who spoke at the Division of Health, Wellness and Family Development virtual presser on Thursday.
She gave a summary of all members of staff who tested positive between June 28 to July 2.
Dr Hoyte said, “Nine staff members tested positive in the Adult Medical ward while there were ten at the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Adult Surgical Ward, there were six members of staff tested positive, two members at the ENA, and two at the Green room and then one staff member in the Medical Records Department.”
Community spread ongoing
The CMOH also said community spread was ongoing.
Dr Hoyte said “Even if we are to identify that some persons picked up the infection at the hospital, off the persons that tested positive whether it be staff or patients; there’s no way to confirm if all of them picked it up in the hospital or in the community.”
She explained that there was a series of tests that needed to be done adding that it was not just about testing persons to see if they were positive.
The CMOH gave an example of being tested positive for Covid-19 which would require the testing of additional family members, who would be primary contacts.
However, she explained, if family members test negative that did not mean they were not infected but it could mean that they were infected previously and the virus just cleared.
Dr Hoyte further explained, “This would require anti-body testing which we don’t have an this made it difficult to determine who gave it to whom.”
She said that measures have been put into place to improve prevention, infection and control.
“We have a more robust infection, prevention and control processes taking place to ensure the safety of staff and patients at the health facilities,” she said.
She added that with the presence of the P1 variant recently, the spread of Covid-19 was now more rapid.
The CMOH said if a positive patient was travelling in a taxi along with individuals, with windows up and in an air-conditioned space, then the uninfected person stood a higher risk of contracting the virus.
Persons breaking quarantine
Dr Hoyte also said there were reports of persons breaking quarantine for various reasons and even taking public transport.
She said that their information would be passed on to the police, and they would engage in visiting persons to ensure they adhere to protocols.
In addition, she said personnel from Tobago Regional Health Authority (TRHA) would check on them via calls to ensure all was well.
Tourism training
Dr Hoyte also said there was on-going training for all sectors in tourism industry including the transportation sector, tour operators and restaurants as the island seeks to re-open its economy.
The CMOH stated that the training was to ensure safe practices so that staff and visitors were safe. However, she placed emphasis on the public health protocols and the 3W’s, wearing masks, washing hands and watching distance.
Dr Hoyte said, “The tourism stakeholders are working hard to make sure their products are top-notched.”
