Stay home; don’t put Jamaicans at risk

Many multiple-repeat tourists to Jamaica are pleading with their fellow nationals to stay away from the island not because of fear of being infected with the COVID-19 virus during their visit, but for fear that more tourists will inadvertently bring the virus to the island and infect more Jamaicans.

The plea was particularly robust on the Facebook group Negril Jamaica Uncensored, which was created by Gerry Gilletson, an American national for multiple-repeat ­visitors and for lovers of the resort town. Some of the group’s 28,000 members said persons who have trips planned should reschedule their itineraries immediately.

“Let’s not be selfish right now, people!” Sandy Elliott of Ontario, Canada, wrote on Monday in response to a tourist who was seeking suggestions as to whether she should travel to the island at this time. “I hear people saying, ‘It’s just a virus. It will run its course’. The World Health Organization is telling people not to travel, or if you have travelled and could be carrying this virus, to self-isolate!”

The Canadian added that she had plans to visit the island but had shelved them for the moment out of concern for the health and safety of citizens and hotel staff members.

“We were supposed to come to Negril in April, but because this is spreading so rapidly, we are choosing to do the right thing. As much as it disappoints us, we are thinking of others in Jamaica and at home. If anyone is already compromised health-wise, this virus could be a death sentence! We need to be considerate of others at this time,” she said.

Elliott stated, “I don’t know about you, but I would not want to think that I infected someone’s child or grandparent or anyone for that matter who could potentially die because they have other health issues!” she added.

Another North American tourist, Brad Roosevelt, contended that as a Small Island Developing State, Jamaica does not have the resources that its counterparts in developed countries would have, and as a consequence, tourists should also be concerned with their ability to access health-care, and should also stay away from the island as a show of respect for its people.

“As this crisis develops, I would encourage others to think about and respect our friends and family in Jamaica as we make and ­commit to our travel plans. Jamaica does not have the capacity to handle medium- to large-scale outbreak of serious viral infection. Please, if you plan on keeping your travel plans, make every attempt to stay healthy before you go. Get tested if you can, then self-quarantine until you leave,” he implored.

‘STAY MORAL’

“Do everything you can to keep the great people of Jamaica safe. Set selfishness and finances aside. Get educated. Stay vigilant. Stay moral. Above all, think of other people’s well-being,” he added.

One lover of the island, Jenna Renae, also said that even though a downturn in tourism would be detrimental to the island’s economy, it would be preferable to having an outbreak of the COVID-19 on the island.

“My concern is this virus coming to Jamaica. Sure, a slowdown in tourism is detrimental but so would this virus. Is the healthcare system there equipped to handle what is going on in other parts of the world? How many ICU beds and vents are in Jamaica? There is no way they can handle a pandemic. Stay home and don’t bring them anything,” she declared.

Another multiple-repeat visitor from Washington also urged tourists who truly loved Jamaica to cancel their travel ­arrangements to the island as asymptomatic visitors could ­inadvertently spread the virus, and in ­addition, a vacation at this time would also be boring as Negril was becoming desolate.

“Even if some hotels are open, it is not going to be the same Negril with all ­restaurants closed, and stuff. You will be trapped in your rooms with just the water to look at. Keep Jamaica safe, please. Again and again, they do not have the same medical facilities we do. Don’t be selfish,” she said.

janet.silvera@gleanerjm.com