The most recent death - brings the total to 427 - meaning that about 350 COVID related deaths have been recorded since the PUP was elected in November of last year.
And the UDP thinks that the surging mortality rate is - among other reasons - caused by the inadequacy of the Government response.
The Leader of the Opposition, flanked by 3 prominent UDP's who are doctors, hosted a 2-hour plus press conference to discuss a number of complaints they have about the way the GOB is handling this public health crisis.
We start first with Dr. Shanika Arnold, the who also happens to be the Party Leader's fiancée. She has served as a medical officer in the KHMH's COVID unit. Today, she told the press that a big part of the ongoing community spread is the general public's COVID fatigue and the increasing neglect in observing social distancing best practices. Here's how she made that point today:
Dr. Shanika Arnold - Medical Professional
"These very basically, but very effective COVID protocols were first introduced to us at the start of the pandemic by the previous administration. And for some time, they helped us manage the spread. However, a year later, we find ourselves not only battling a resurgence of COVID but also having to fight off pandemic fatigue. Pandemic fatigue is an expected and natural response to a prolonged public health crisis. Countries all over the world have reported increased incidents of pandemic fatigue as people become demotivated about following the protocols set up to protect themselves and others from the virus. The blame, however, cannot solely rest on the people for getting fed up with curfews, masks, and social distancing. We were misled by the current administration with their slogan, Before You Relax, Get Vax. While it is catchy, it implies that once vaccinated, we'll be able to relax or get back to some level of normalcy. But the truth is that until we are able to wipe COVID from our population, we cannot afford to relax. When comes to the very important protocols, of wearing our mask, washing our hands, and social distancing, it is important, now more than ever, that we do not relax, but instead, follow these strict protocols if we are going to effectively fight this pandemic, flatten the curve, and return someday to a level of normal that we can thrive in."
