There is currently a worrying increase in COVID-19 infections in Suriname. It is therefore necessary for the company to take the necessary precautions. This was underlined by infectious disease specialist Stephen Vreden during a press conference by the Ministry of Health of Suriname on the matter
During this press moment, the ministry called on the company to stay alert and protect itself. The situation in Suriname calls for vigilance against the backdrop of 23 hospital admissions in the first week of January; two deaths for this year and the number of infections internationally.
Health Minister Amar Ramadhin stresses that vigilance is needed to prevent an outbreak. He is asking citizens to get a booster dose as soon as possible, and thus keep the situation manageable together. The infectious disease specialist Vreden also stressed the importance of a booster injection.
“Contrary to what was thought, the protection of the Covid-19 vaccines seems to decrease after a few months. It has been proven by several studies. Protection wanes after an average of four to six months, meaning people need to repeat a booster injection after 4 months,” the medical expert said. Both officials say vaccination will not be made mandatory, but they consider it appropriate for people who are in the risk group to receive additional vaccinations.
In Suriname, the vaccination coverage rate is less than 50%. “Very low,” says Dr. Vreden, adding that 85 percent is ideal. The infectious disease specialist points out that the strict measures of 2020 and 2021 must not be applied now, because this will once again shock society. Furthermore, strict measures, such as entry bans, have not been shown to have prevented a Covid-19 outbreak. “We were empty-handed then and faced with an unknown virus,” he says, justifying the need for stringent measures at the time.
According to Minister Ramdin, the company does not currently have to fear a blockade. The minister says the government has no intention of making things more difficult for society. “So it’s not looking in that direction.” However, the government expects necessary precautions to be taken, including compliance with MoHanA protocols.
