Caribbean tourism and health authorities proactive on coronavirus
A partnership established five years ago between the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) and the private sector-led Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) as well as the public sector Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) is helping to drive a concerted effort by the region’s health and tourism stakeholders to help prevent and mitigate any impact from the spread of the virus, which has been declared by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a global public health emergency of international concern.
The three organizations quickly mobilized over a week ago, with CARPHA playing a key role in gathering facts and preparing briefs and tools for the region’s largest industry, tourism, based upon its consultations with global health authorities, including WHO and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
“We see CARPHA as a key intermediary between global and local health authorities in brokering information and sharing intelligence essential to monitoring the situation with the Novel Coronavirus and preventing its spread into our region. This is important to the health of our residents and visitors and also important to the Caribbean’s economic well-being, as tourism is the region’s most important contributor to employment and revenue,” stated CARPHA’s Executive Director Dr. Joy St. John.
“CARPHA is recommending that Caribbean Member States be proactive and vigilant. They must step up surveillance measures at points of entry, communication strategies which emphasize good hand hygiene, and measures targeted at reducing the importation of this new virus to our shores,” stated Dr. St. John, who underscored that currently, there are no restrictions to travel to the Caribbean.
While the risk to the Caribbean from the coronavirus is low, health authorities and tourism stakeholders are being vigilant, activating cautionary measures, monitoring and reporting procedures. CARPHA established the world’s first Tourism Health Program (THP) nearly five years ago to work collaboratively with CHTA and CTO to address health and safety threats. Over 200 hotels throughout the region are also part of a Tourism Health Information System (THiS), and with the coronavirus threat, CHTA is encouraging every hotel in the region to be part of the THP and THiS. CARPHA offers a range of online support materials and videos to guide the tourism industry.
Frank Comito, CEO and Director General of CHTA, advises that the organization is working with its federation of 33 national hotel and tourism associations throughout the region, advising them to be vigilant with sanitary precautions, monitoring of guest and employee illnesses, and prompt reporting to local health authorities any questionable illnesses.
“The Caribbean is one of the world’s great escapes, affording the traveler with the opportunity to be refreshed and renewed as they enjoy our incredible natural beauty, people and cultures. We want to safeguard our guests and employees and provide assurances that they will continue to enjoy all that we offer. CARPHA is an invaluable partner in helping us to do this,” said Comito.
CHTA and CARPHA are also planning a webinar, scheduled for Tuesday, February 4, to brief the industry on the latest developments and offer additional advice on cautionary measures that can be taken to mitigate the spread of coronavirus, notwithstanding bolstering existing influenza preparedness plans and implementing measures to protect the most vulnerable in the Caribbean.
761631 940796Its onerous to search out knowledgeable individuals on this topic, nevertheless you sound like you already know what you are talking about! Thanks 989938
548797 429999I like this weblog its a master peace ! Glad I detected this on google . 359304
354658 889500Ive writers block that comes and goes and I want to discover a strategy to get rid of my writers block. It can occasionally be so bad I can barley make sentences. Any guidelines? 299308
107171 399372Some truly interesting information , effectively written and broadly speaking user pleasant. 390389
950515 25353So, is this just for men, just for females, or is it for both sexes If it s not, then do women want to do anything different to put on muscle 63335
340778 815153Very fascinating information!Perfect just what I was seeking for! 66831
729036 281024A person essentially lend a hand to make significantly articles I may well state. That may be the really very first time I frequented your site page and up to now? I amazed with the research you created to create this certain publish incredible. Great activity! 410887
387296 460047Safest the world toasts are produced to captivate and also faithfulness to your wedding couple. Beginner sound system watching high decibel locations would be wise to always remember some sort of vital secret designed by presentation, which is your auto. best man speeches funny 653259
991543 94429You created some decent points there. I looked more than the internet for any problem and discovered most individuals goes as well as together with your web site. 68288
90962 518389Deference to op , some superb selective details . 23373
523060 224422This web-site is really a walk-through rather than the information you desired concerning this and didnt know who to inquire about. Glimpse here, and you will absolutely discover it. 809043