WILLEMSTAD - Most of the infections in recent days took place within families. Epidemiologist Dr. Izzy Gerstenbluth reports this today during the press conference. Today, 33 new infections were reported, and 34 people have recovered. There are now 314 active corona infections known on Curaçao, one less than yesterday.
Dr. Gerstenbluth explained that the reopening of the borders is not the reason for the large number of new infections yesterday, but that this is mainly due to spreading within about three families.
“How should we interpret the numbers? That is for Curaçao and people wonder what is going on,” says Gerstenbluth. The epidemiologist spoke about the indicators he has talked about before.
“The positivity rate fluctuates between 15 and 20 percent. Yesterday's high number was 20 percent. So we stay within the margin. Even though we are within the margin, the infections must be taken seriously.”
Gerstenbluth also stressed that COVID-19 must be permanently slowed down by the measures that are being taken.
It must be ensured that the pressure on healthcare does not become too great. What also needs to be considered is the age of patients. People over 65 are at extra risk. People with chronic diseases also need to be careful and receive extra protection. “We need to prevent the virus from reaching people with a low resistance. We must protect them together. If the number of cases continues to increase, more measures will have to be taken,” said the epidemiologist.
“If we want to lead a life as normal as possible on our island, then we must comply with the measures.”
The doctor pointed out that yesterday's numbers show that many infections have taken place in several families. This was concluded after the epidemiology team did their contact tracing.
The doctor also cautioned that 8.9 percent of the active cases are people older than 65 years. That percentage must not increase.