Presence of the COVID-19 Omicron variant on the French side (see Monday edition) is no reason to be overly alarmed. It was bound to happen and knowing soon could be helpful in preventing another possible outbreak.
Curaçao declared Aruba a high-risk area after several cases of the very contagious COVID-19 mutant, including some without a travel history, were detected there, but that’s not going to stop it from reaching the neighbouring island. After all, Aruban authorities had earlier taken additional measures regarding incoming passengers – for example, from the Netherlands – who now need a negative test within 24 hours of departure.
One response to the new threat by among others St. Maarten was to reduce the period between the second vaccination and a booster shot from six to three months. It is also available to eligible persons regardless of any underlying health conditions.
Just as important will be to maintain precautionary measures such as social distancing, wearing a facemask where appropriate and frequently washing hands. That may not be easy after doing so for already close to two years, but can make a huge difference.
It appears the number of Omicron hospitalisations globally is relatively low due to generally less severe symptoms. If so, a possible next wave might not have catastrophic consequences such as overburdening local medical resources.
The latter remains crucial also because sending patients abroad has become more difficult, with various countries like Colombia accepting only fully vaccinated ones. In that sense too, better safe than sorry.
