Worry of virus surge after poll

By LULU MARK
IT will be challenging to manage the Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic during the general election period, says National Pandemic Response deputy controller Dr Daoni Esorom.
He said the National Control Centre (NCC) was concerned about a possible surge after polling ended.
“The first surge and the two surges last year happened after big gatherings,” he said.
“The current Omicron surge we are getting followed the Christmas and New Year period with so many travelling and gatherings.”
He said the country was at a critical phase in the Covid-19 response with the issue of writs next month.
“The election period will be quite challenging for us,” he said.
“We are cautious because we might have another surge after the election.
“We just need to make sure that the frontline workers (in the election) are protected.”
Because of the expected big gatherings, he stressed again the importance of vaccination and control measures.
He warned that despite the low number of cases reported in the provinces due to the low testing rates, community transmission remained high.
There is a standard operating procedure for the election period which will be released soon after a meeting with the Electoral Commission.
The provincial health authorities have been urged to increase the vaccination drive as it is the most cost effective way to prevent the spread of the Covid-19 and manage the situation.