PAHO Director Says Preparations Needed to Combat Effects of Winter, Hurricanes on COVID-19

Dr. Carissa F. Etienne

Washington, D.C., June 9, 2020 (PAHO)—The Director of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), Dr Carissa F. Etienne, said preparing for winter and hurricanes is critical to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in the Americas.

With more than 3.3 million cases of COVID-19 in the region and many areas reporting exponential rises in cases and deaths, “We are concerned by data showing the virus surging in new places that had previously seen a limited number of cases,” Etienne said in a press briefing today.

The PAHO Director noted, “In South America, our response to the pandemic will be impacted by the arrival of winter, while hurricane season will complicate our efforts in North and Central America, and especially in the Caribbean.” 

Preparing for respiratory infections during winter

Winter, now starting in South America, “fuels respiratory infections—like seasonal influenza and pneumonia—that can rapidly spread in colder climates and as more people gather indoors to stay warm,” she said. 

Read more at: PANCAP

Source: CARICOM TODAY

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