WILLEMSTAD - According to the Minister of Public Health, Suzanne Camelia-Römer since January 13 this year, the Curaçao Medical Center (CMC) has been preparing for a possible outbreak of the COVID-19 virus. Some of the work include an outbreak management team, a COVID-19 protocol, an emergency team, protection equipment, medicines and 12 respirators.

The minister also indicated that more than 100 rooms for corona patients are now available. She says that hopefully these rooms don’t have to be used but they are prepared just in case. The hospital still needs 6 respiratory machines.

Camelia-Römer says that there are many beds available which means that Curaçao is prepared. The aim is not to use these beds, she says but to prevent the outbreak, that is why the government, following the advice of the health care professionals has acted early.

“Even if there is more freedom of movement later, we must continue to adhere to social distancing. Always take into account the distance and hygiene rules,” says the minister.

There are 50 IC doctors from the Netherlands, 50 IC beds and 14 specialists. There are also 8 doctors flown in from Cuba.