Restrictions on political motorcades will have little impact on limiting COVID-19 spread, says Dawes

By: Admin

Image caption: Dr. Alfred Dawes - file photo

At least one medical practitioner believes the restrictions placed on motorcades during political campaigns leading up to the September 3 general election will have little impact on limiting spread of the coronavirus.

Dr. Alfred Dawes has said it will be a struggle to get political supporters to comply with COVID-19 prevention measures due to the euphoria that comes with campaigning.

He said election day activities will also result in contact between supporters and this could lead to a further spike in cases. 

"Because people are still going to be gathering at the offices, people are still going to be having their little spot meetings. On the day of elections, you are going to have people being moved out of their homes to go to their voting locations," he pointed out, adding that the persons in charge of "dealing with electors" and the supporters themselves may not necessarily be observant of all the COVID-19 prevention protocols. 

Dr. Dawes said a similar situation was noted in Trinidad where there was a sharp increase in coronavirus cases after the August 10 general election. 

He said between March and July, Trinidad had about 170-180 cases, however, after their election was held, the country recorded almost 800 more cases - a 229 per cent increase.