Kamla: Govt has no new plans to deal with covid19 explosion

OPPOSITION Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar said Government has no new plans to deal with rising covid19 cases.

"The definition of insanity is doing the same things over and over and expecting a different result each time. As the number of covid19 cases explodes with rising deaths, the Rowley regime is simply repeating the same tired propaganda lines over and over. "

She made the comment in a media release Sunday.

"It is now depressingly clear to all citizens that the Government has no clear and focused plan to adequately deal with the covid19 pandemic.

She quoted the Prime Minister's comment at a media briefing Saturday: “We could take some comfort that our situation has not worsened.”

She said: "This in spite of the fact that in the last month we’ve seen an increase from 153 (new) cases and eight deaths to 2,076 cases and 50 deaths."

The Sunday morning covid19 update reported 2,194 active cases and 53 deaths.

Persad-Bissessar said Dr Rowley in his presentation once again offered no new plans to curb the rising rate of infection.

"At the end of his Government's 28-day cycle of lockdown measures, he announced yet another 28-day cycle of the same measures that have already presided over exponential growth in covid19 cases."

She said Government continued to blame everyone else but their failed response to this pandemic.

She added the Opposition was pleased Government accepted their suggestion to purchase over 100,000 rapid testing kits.

"However, when asked (Saturday) on their availability for use, Minister Deyalsingh said he had to wait 'for the manufacturer.' Citizens continue to complain about the lengthy time taken to receive their test results which again limits our capacity to obtain true data and control the virus spread."

She said the UNC resubmitted the following suggestions for immediate steps that can be taken and that are scientifically proven to slow the spread of the virus:

- The establishment of a covid19 intelligence unit where all national security and health agencies will communicate and execute strategic plans and operations in unison and in real time

- Deploy teams of health officers to ensure covid19 regulations’ compliance by businesses and the public

- Increase stocks of personal protective equipment for frontline workers

- Increase the number of beds available for patients suffering from more serious symptoms

She stressed Government must act decisively and not with an “It’s bad all around the world” mentality. She added the Opposition continued to urge citizens to follow the public health guidelines and take the necessary measures to protect themselves and their families.