WILLEMSTAD - According to health authorities in Curaçao, the slight increase in Covid-19 cases is no cause for panic. Epidemiologist Iralice Jansen confirmed this following reports of a rise in infections last week. 

Several countries have reported an uptick in Covid-19 cases, including some Caribbean nations. Anguilla issued a public warning last week, noting that the number of Covid cases is rising in the United States. Given that many Americans visit the island for annual festivities in August ("August Monday"), citizens were advised to protect themselves as much as possible. 

Jansen indicated that some Caribbean countries have since reported that their infection numbers are declining again. The slight increase in Curaçao is not surprising, she said, as Covid has never disappeared and, like the flu virus, will always be present. 

With the holiday season underway and many people traveling and gathering in large groups, such as on planes and at parties, the risk of infection is higher, Jansen noted. The basic advice remains to avoid close contact with others and maintain distance. 

If maintaining distance is not possible, wearing a face mask is recommended. Jansen observed that this is why more people are currently seen wearing masks.