Updated: Pregnant Point Fortin mayor has covid19

POINT Fortin mayor Saleema Thomas, who is pregnant, has covid19.

Thomas who had her test done at the La Brea Health Facility on Wednesday confirmed her status in a release on Saturday morning.

Newsday reported on Friday that she was awaiting her results but was praying it returned negative. In the interim, on the advice of her doctors, the mayor went into self-isolation at home.

In the release, she also confirmed, “I am an expectant mother, due to give birth to my third child later this year.”

She said she began exhibiting flu-like symptoms two days ago and immediately went into self-isolation at her home.

On the advice of her doctor, and out of an abundance of caution, she said she took a covid19 test.

“I have just received the results and the diagnosis was positive. I am working closely with the officials from the Ministry of Health to ensure that all of the necessary contact tracing and protocols are followed.

“It continues to be incumbent upon me to be responsible and to follow the health protocols, which require me to remain in quarantine until I am guided otherwise.”

She expressed gratitude to all those who have enquired about her health and well-being.”

As the borough marked its 41st anniversary on Friday, without any physical celebration for the second year, she encouraged the burgess to follow all the covid19 protocols to keep Point Fortin safe and strong.

She also appealed to the wider population to follow the regulations.

“Do wear your masks, wash your hands regularly, practice social and physical distancing, avoid gatherings, and do not venture outdoors unless it is absolutely required. We are all in this together. I urge everyone to please stay safe.”

In response to the revelation, Newsday consulted several medical experts to determine what risks, if any, are there to the expectant mother and her unborn child.

Quoting renowned international medical authorities, gynaecological oncologist Dr Tim Gopeesingh ruled out the possibility of the virus infecting the foetus.

He referred to studies by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) which shows that not only will the virus not affect the foetus but neither will it cross into the breastmilk.

“There is one anecdotal case which found covid19 in the placenta (after birth) but that is one case out of so many, but generally the Royal College has indicated there is no effect to the foetus or the pregnancy itself,” he said.

Generally speaking, the former Caroni East MP who also recovered from the virus, said there are complications associated with the virus but younger people and those with no comorbidities generally do very well.

He advised all expectant mothers who may be infected to seek the advice of their obstetrician and be guided by the information of the RCOG and also the America College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (ACOG).

He said while in TT a decision has been taken not to vaccinate pregnant women or those breastfeeding, in the United States and in the UK vaccines are given to that demographic.

Obstetrician/gynaecologist Dr Jehan Ali shared the opinion of Gopeesingh about the foetus being protected, but ventured that in pregnancy the immune system can be challenged.

“The mayor will have to be closely monitored by her doctor. If she is diabetic or hypertensive this could worsen it, but if she is healthy, she may not be affected as someone with comorbidities and the baby will be okay.”

However, Ali was quick to point out that because the virus is changing daily, “what I am saying may not be gospel.

“There is a lot we don’t know about this disease,” he said.

Obstetrician/gynaecologist Dr Shereen Kalloo-Deyalsingh concurred that risks in pregnancy are higher than in a person who is not pregnant and can lead to complications.

While ongoing research shows that it is rare for the virus to spread to the placenta, she said one of the big risks is with lung infection which can be quite severe depending on the period of gestation.

“Whether it is the first, second or third trimester, the risk will be more prevalent.”

Thomas did not respond to enquiries about the advanced state of her pregnancy.