WILLEMSTAD - There is no case of Covid-19 on Curaçao yet. The Medical & Health Affairs Department (G & Gz) of the Ministry of Health, Environment and Nature (GMN) keeps a close eye on how the new coronavirus spreads and behaves worldwide. All relevant authorities on the island are kept informed.

During a recent press conference, G & Gz epidemiologist Izzy Gerstenbluth again emphasized that the island uses the existing system to detect infectious diseases. Twelve GPs report to the Ministry every week.

The fact the first case of Covid-19 will come sooner or later is almost certain. A G & Gz team is in direct contact with Curaçao Airport Partners (CAP), Curaçao Tourist Board (CTB), Curaçao Hospitality and Tourism Association (CHATA), the Analytical Diagnostic Center (ADC), Curaçao Medical Center (CMC) and immigration. Employees are trained, receive instructions and are informed of the latest developments. The idea is to trace and treat someone who may be infected with the virus as early as possible. All involved authorities are ready to take action when the time comes, according to the established protocols.

Last week there was an article on social media about the first coronavirus case in Curaçao. This is fake news. The CMC refuted that news and indicated that if there was one coronavirus case, they would immediately inform the community.