Get vaccinated, observe protective measures – Dr. Carissa Etienne tells Caribbean people

(PAHO Press Release)—Dr. Carissa F. Etienne, Director of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), expressed concern about COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in Caribbean countries and made a strong appeal to people to get vaccinated.

Speaking at her weekly media briefing, Dr. Etienne, who is from Dominica, said, “I am truly very concerned about what is happening in the Caribbean” with people reluctant to get vaccines and relaxing their adherence to public health measures.

“So please, please, please take your vaccines and please wear your masks properly, social distance. I know the Caribbean people like to be close, and we like fetes, and we like to congregate, but please avoid congregation. Observe respiratory etiquette and wash your hands frequently.”

She noted that small islands in the Caribbean have limited bed capacity in intensive care units, along with limited numbers of specialised doctors.

“Our health systems will become overwhelmed very quickly,” she said.

Read more at: Pan American Health Organisation

Source: CARICOM TODAY