Anguilla has been very blessed. We were within a whisker of having COVID-19 establish itself in our country, but thanks to early steps of quarantine and border closure we reman one of a very few places in the world that can say they are COVID-19 free.
Now we must do our best to protect that status. Particularly with the necessary repatriations and very likely with the reopening of ports and the airport, Sooner or later it is very likely that we will have the infection reach our shores. Sooner or later exposure will be a likelihood and people will get sick and die…NEEDLESSLY.
Fortunately, once the disease comes not everyone dies or even gets seriously ill. Most otherwise healthy people will recover…MOST. That is both good and bad. Most people will have no signs even if they are sick. They become “spreaders.” That means they are able and even LIKELY to spread the virus to those at risk. The people of Anguilla have a significant number of health risks: high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, high cholesterol…Do you have any of these conditions? Do any of your friends have these conditions? Do your children or your parents have these conditions? These conditions are part of Anguilla’s reality and are called “Comorbidities.” They increase not only the likelihood of serious illness but the likelihood of death.
I hear many people minimize the severity of the disease and the likelihood of infection. They crowd together in social outings, at bars and in lines, with no concern that others may be infected. Look at the devastating numbers in the US. Experts are predicting 100,000 new cases every week, and it is likely that 200,000 people will have died by the end of July.
While we all hope Anguilla remains safe, we must take a few simple steps to prevent spread…1) Practice good personal hygiene including wearing of masks. 2) Wash your hands thoroughly and often, and use hand sanitizers 3) Honor at least 6 ft personal space between individuals. No hugs, no handshakes.
I wear a mask and protect personal space not out of fear but out of respect for you. I will wear a mask not to protect myself but to protect you and those you love.
PLEASE DO THE SAME!
Dr. Michael Paul
