Region Ten man with COVID-19 institutionalised after breaching stay-home order

A Department of Education employee in Region Ten who tested positive for the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has been institutionalised after he was seen wandering around Linden shortly after he was placed in home isolation.

In a statement, the Public Relations Department of Region Ten’s Regional Health and Emergency Committee (RHEC) said both the man and his wife were placed at a facility at the Wismar Hospital after it was confirmed that he breached home isolation regulations.

During a meeting, members of the RHEC were informed that the man was seen at the market area and several other public places despite receiving several warnings against leaving his home given his COVID-19 status.

“We cannot allow persons who are not adhering to set out guidelines to put the health and wellbeing of others at risk. Therefore, I have instructed the Regional COVID Coordinator, Dr Michael Marks to have the man and his wife transferred to the isolation centre as he has breached home isolation. I am adamant that he will continue leaving his home despite all warnings to him,” the newly appointed Regional Health Officer, Dr. Gregory

Harris, was quoted as saying.

While it was not disclosed why the man left his home, the release stated that the Department of Education was told to assist the man’s family with food and other necessary items.

According to the statement, Dr. Marks added that anyone found breaching isolation regulations will be dealt with firmly as the interest and safety of residents remains a priority to regional health officials.

“Anyone who refuses to adhere to home isolation regulations and is found breaching these guidelines will be

immediately transferred to institutional isolation as if they cannot adhere to the regulations that we have set out then we will place them at the Wismar Hospital so that they can be monitored around the clock. This is to ensure that they are not a threat to themselves and anyone else,” Marks said.

Meanwhile, Harris disclosed that between April 18 and September 14, the Region recorded 85 cases of COVID-19. As of yesterday, according to the Ministry of Health COVID- 19 dashboard, the region recorded 87 cases.

Of the 85 cases, Dr. Harris disclosed 54 are from Rivers View, 7 from Wismar Housing Scheme, 4 from Goshen and three each from Wisroc and Falmouth. He added that Amelia’s Ward, Christianburg, Mabura and Half Mile each recorded two cases, while Lower Kara Kara, West Watooka, Republic Avenue, One Mile and Coomacka Mines have recorded one case each, with all being Brazilian nationals.

According to the statement, Harris decided to make this disclosure to ensure that the public and more particularly residents are kept informed on the COVID-19 related situation within the region.

“This gives residents an insight as to how the cases have been recorded and which communities within the region recorded cases. We are hoping that residents will take more precautions as despite our numbers we have been able to maintain what we dub as relatively small numbers. It is our hope that the successes that we have achieved thus far will continue as residents continue to adhere to PAHO and Ministry of Health-related guidelines, thus ensuring that all remain safe,” Harris stated.