by Linda Straker
- Restaurants required to keep a log of all individuals using facility
- Risk of exposure considered quite high in establishment not following protocol
- Some establishments will be shut down for non-compliance
- 38 people in quarantine awaiting Covid-19 PCR testing because of latest breach
One of the 4 restaurants that were visited by Grenada’s latest Covid-19 cases was unable to provide health officials with a ‘visitor use of service’ logbook for contact tracing purposes. Thus, the memory of staff and the individuals are the alternative means to contact persons who were at this establishment.
“One of the establishments was not following the protocol at that point in time and therefore the risk of exposure is considered to be quite high,” said Dr Shawn Charles, current Acting Chief Medical Officer in the Ministry of Health. “The establishment failed us,” he added.
As part of measures to control and contain the spread of Covid-19 since resuming to a state of normalcy following the lockdown of the country, businesses are required to comply with a number of protocols to resume and continue operations.
Restaurants are required to keep a log of all individuals using the facility. The information includes temperature testing, name, and contact information. Describing the failure by the establishment as disappointing, Health Minister Nickolas Steele said that all establishments with permission to operate will be reviewed, and some will be shut down for non-compliance.
“There are institutions that have received the certificate and are not complying, and we find that happening closer to the wee hours; like in this instance it’s late night and they push the envelope. There will be stricter enforcement of that, and institutions will be closed,” he said.
“I am putting out a warning to institutions, those that are non-compliant will be closed for an extended period until you can show that you have done the training and meet the compliance.” Steele called on citizens to only use facilities that keep logbooks.
38 people are currently in quarantine awaiting Covid-19 PCR testing because of the breach done by the latest Covid-19 cases, one of whom is a medical doctor. Charles said the two are displaying mild to no symptoms and they are in a Government quarantine facility.
The two people who are 53 and 65 years respectively, were in-home quarantine when they breached the regulations while awaiting the result of their second PCR test. They tested negative upon arrival at the Maurice Bishop International Airport (MBIA).
Breach of Covid-19 quarantine regulations is a criminal offence and carries a maximum fine of EC$10,000 or 6 months imprisonment.
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Everyone should note that dogs and other animals also contract this virus.
If a dog ate leftovers from one of these restaurants or a trash collector even coming close waste from them we in big trouble.
Be safe people!!!
It is very sad that those who are given permission to self-quarantine in their own homes feel that they can ignore correct protocol. They have, through their selfishness, caused many to lose much needed income. As previously commented, they should be mandated to pay lost income to the workers and the establishments.
I think the 2 who disrespected the quarantine protocol should also be required to compensate the Grenadian restaurant workers for the loss of their salary and tips while in quarantine, and the cost of any medical care or testing they require. This should be in addition to whatever fines and criminal penalties might be imposed.
If this were an accident, that would be one thing; but it was not, it was wilful selfishness (by a doctor of all things) and the innocent should not have to bear the cost.
Exactly.. We are bias in this country.. Only the poor people or little man we have strength for. Mr. So and So get off Scotch free. Just how they have charged the guy whom they condemned and went on a public rant about.
Doctors must be fined for their total disrespect. Do not let them off. Charge them as you always charge the small people of Grenada. Prove to us there is equal justice. Publicize the fact they are being fined also.
What restaurant were involved. It should be published
Aziz, junction, aquarium, calabash