Message from Deputy Government Commissioner Claudia Toet
I would like to begin by paying tribute to our healthcare workers – our nurses, doctors, lab technicians, hospital and volunteers – who have gone above and beyond during this pandemic.
For nearly two years they have put their lives on pause so that we can move on with our own lives. They have placed themselves and their families at risk so that we can be spared the peril.
Every one of you either know, or are related to, at least one of these healthcare workers. You know how tired they are. You know that the strain on them is real, the stress is overwhelming, and the burden is heavy.
And I am sure you also know how badly they need our support. So let us show them in the most tangible way, that we all have their backs. And what better way to demonstrate that we care that their efforts are not in vain, than by joining the offensive against COVID-19?
Yes, we are at war with a virus that attacks from every imaginable angle. And we will need a collaborative effort to contain and control it. Therefore I appeal to you to play your part for your safety and that of your loved ones.
I will reiterate in a moment what you can do to protect yourself. But first, I am heartened by the fact that we have recorded a slight reduction in the number of new cases over the past few days.
While this is encouraging, please remember we are not out of the woods. Far from it. We simply cannot afford a fresh spike in cases. It is not what you want! And it is certainly not what our hardworking, exhausted and frustrated healthcare workers deserve.
Therefore, let us not let our guard down. Let us continue to faithfully observe and practice the health and safety protocols that have worked so well for us. Regularly washing your hands with soap and water, keeping your distance, and wearing a mask, all help to protect you.
But, equally importantly, get vaccinated - or if you are already vaccinated, get the booster. Please.
The experts who have spent decades conducting research into viruses and vaccines have told us that vaccination minimizes the chances of you falling seriously ill with Covid-19 . . . And that if you do get seriously ill because you are unvaccinated, you cannot be sure, even if are relatively young and fit, that you would not be seriously ill or struggle with long-term Covid-related problems.
Studies have shown that as many as one in five people are still unwell five weeks after contracting Covid-19; and one in 10 are still experiencing symptoms three months later.
Therefore, for your sake, let me repeat my appeal for you to get the vaccine.
To get Vaccinated for Covid Tel: vaccinationregistratation@statiagov.com