MORANT BAY, St Thomas — Warning that there is once again an uptick in COVID-19 cases in St Thomas, which only has a 16 per cent vaccination rate, the parish’s Medical Officer of Health Dr D’Oyen Smith on Thursday spoke of the measures being put in place to ensure that residents have access to health care.

“I want to highlight to everyone that the cases of COVID-19 have started to increase again. People are now relaxed about the virus, however they should still take the necessary precautions to protect themselves,” he told the monthly meeting of the St Thomas Municipal Corporation.

Even though masks are no longer mandated, Dr Smith encouraged their use as a way to protect against not only COVID-19 but also the influenza virus, which is also showing an increase in cases.

“If persons are wearing their mask, limiting social contact, and are frequently washing their hands we will have the chance to lower these illnesses and viruses,” he reasoned.

He also spoke of the need to get more people vaccinated and put boosters into the arms of those who already have baseline vaccination.

Dr Smith pointed out, as well, that dengue fever should also be on the radar of the residents. Frequent rainfall, he reminded, increases the chance for breeding sites to be created.

While he lauded the National Solid Waste management team for collecting garbage on a weekly basis, he noted that there were still many drums around that residents use to collect and store water, and that 90 per cent of the time these storage containers were where the pests breed.

He urged residents to do weekly checks around their houses to ensure there are no possible breeding sites present.

Dr Smith also told the meeting that the Morant Bay Health Department had implemented an evening clinic initiative which operates from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm, Mondays to Fridays. This will cater to people whose work schedule prevents them from visiting during the day.

He added that the pharmacy will also be open for extended hours to facilitate those who patronise the evening clinic.

“We are looking to expand later on in all the other health centres across the parish; however, it is a bit difficult due to the accessibility of transportation at nights,” explained Smith.