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A Chat With Dr Alfred Dawes On The Crisis Of COVID-19

COVID-19 A Chat With Dr Alfred Dawes On The Crisis Of COVID-19

Written by Nicola A. Cunningham.

PANDEMIC: A year ago 95% of the world’s population had no clue what those eight letters meant or represented. Today they are not only aware but are also constantly reminded of its impact which they live with daily. The world as we know it has changed in every way possible. We no longer greet each other with a kiss on the cheek, quick hug or a handshake.

Instead we click shoes, knock elbows or wave from a far.

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Dr Alfred P Dawse on the crisis of COVID-19
Dr Alfred Dawes
Washing your hand is a good way to prevent the spread of COVID-19
Washing your hand is a good way to prevent the spread of COVID-19
Hand sanitizers kill the bacteria that spreads COVID-19
Hand sanitizers kill the bacteria that spreads COVID-19

‘Social Distancing’ is now the universal catchphrase as we avoid having people, even good family members in our personal space. Everything is done either by remote engagement or through delivery. There is no dine-in at restaurants, no parties, dances or sporting events.

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Many who crave human interaction and touch, suffer in silence, especially the elderly who ironically are the most vulnerable. They live alienated in isolation without visitors hence depression becomes part of their daily medicine.

In Jamaica, it is far from business as usual. Masks are mandatory; curfews are constant and lockdowns loom over everyone’s shoulders as the virus slithers and snakes silently through communities, rich and poor, like a venomous snake searching for hapless individuals to strike.

Jamaican tourism industry has taken a huge blow from thE COVID-19 pandemic
The Jamaican tourism industry has taken a huge blow from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Indeed the impact is alarming and the full fallout will not be known for a while if not years. We already know of thousands of job losses. Indeed the tourism industry, Jamaica’s sacred cash cow, has ground to a screeching halt as hotels, restaurants and attractions and those that service them, slash wages, welfare and workers. Other sectors like education, entertainment, manufacturing and export limp along, praying and hoping for an end in sight and a light at the end of the tunnel.

Buzzz Magazine sought to shine a light on the COVID-19 crisis and its ensuing fallout as Jamaica and the rest of the world wrestles with an enemy that is as invisible as it is seeming invincible.

COVID-19 A Chat With Dr Alfred Dawes On The Crisis Of COVID-19
Dr Alfred Dawes wearing a matching mask and scrub

We will probably never take our health or basic healthcare for granted again. As we work to keep on top of our cases, the wellbeing of Jamaicans, especially the vulnerable like the elderly and those with immune systems compromised by chronic diseases, remains of paramount importance. To this end, taking all the necessary precautions including wearing masks remain critical and the chief architect behind a new trust to develop masks that offer better protection, Dr Alfred P. Dawes, shared that in his opinion, “COVID-19 will not be a ‘flash in the pan’ disease. Indeed, it, unfortunately, may be like an unwanted guest lingering here for a while.

To read more, please purchase a copy of Buzzz Caribbean Lifestyle Magazine Vol 10 #6 in a store near you.

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