WILLEMSTAD - Former Prime Minister Eugene Rhuggenaath is concerned about the rising infection rates. "A curfew would be very appropriate and talking to employers also helps," says the former Prime Minister. The politician says that he does not yet think that people’s lives are in jeopardy, but he fears a rapid escalation of the infections.
As one who has been close to the entire situation, Rhuggenaath knows what he is talking about. He has been involved in handling the pandemic as Prime Minister from the start, in March 2020. “At least I would bring the curfew forward. That not only keeps people off the street but also makes it less favorable to organize (underground) parties,” said the PAR leader.
In addition, Rhuggenaath would enter into more discussions with employers and intensify checks at companies. He is also in favor of a much more aggressive campaign among young people to get themselves vaccinated.
Rhuggenaath does have reservations about his unsolicited advice. He makes his statements without having data and analysis available. He emphasizes that his statements are made with good intentions.
According to the politician, the current government has not yet played with people's lives, but risks are being taken. “It can escalate quickly, and the question is whether we are prepared enough. Then putting people's lives at risk is a consequence.”
When asked why we should be concerned now that the number of admissions to the Curaçao Medical Center (CMC) appears to be not too bad for the time being, the former prime minister answers that this is not the only thing that needs to be looked at. The socio-economic impact should not be forgotten.
“Think of people who can't go to work because they are quarantined at home, including people in care, education and public order; so it can be disruptive. Measures or not, we always have to take this balance into account," says Rhuggenaath.
In addition, according to the former prime minister, the idea is that as long as there is no pressure on the CMC, we do not need to take any measures. “That's partly true. However, CMC does not have the extra capacity as before (in terms of personnel, ed.),” says Rhuggenaath.
Finally, Rhuggenaath finds it incomprehensible that self-tests are not available or may not be sold in Curaçao. The self-test is widely used worldwide. They are freely available in drugstores and are even given out for free at schools or airports. Curaçao seems to be one of the few countries where this is not allowed.