Dr. Cuellar Says Belize is not prepared for Delta
Doctor Fernando Cuellar took issue with the Ministry of Health and Wellness’ press conference on Wednesday. He says not only was the relevant information not available to the media, but it gave the impression to the Belizean public that our local health system is prepared to take on the Delta strain. Doctor Cuellar says no country can be absolutely ready for an increase in cases brought on by the Delta variant, not even larger nations like India.
Dr. Fernando Cuellar, Intensive Care Specialist, Belize Medical Associates
“Is it more deadly? We do not think so. Because it is more people will catch it, more people will end up sick and, in the hospital, and more deaths will happen. And, that has been shown over the world. That is what has happened in India. And you touched on that point, and I do want to highlight it. They made it sound like we set, cool and ready for anything. That is not the case guys. You can never be ready for this thing, you can never. I think we should tell the public; we have improved. The doctors know how to manage it better. The whole world knows how to manage it better. I am sure that the government and Ministry of Health are putting things in place. But there should be no calmness to say we safe. Yesterday, the question was asked how much beds we have? How much ventilators we have? That should have been there to answer quickly. Dah nuh my job fuh say that. But the public should know that we will never be absolutely ready for increased cases.”
Delta Not More Deadly, but Very Contagious
With concern that the Delta variant of the COVID-19 virus may now be circulating in Belize, people are wondering if this strain is even deadlier than one we have already experienced. But health experts say that the symptoms brought on by the Delta variant is not greater in severity. The concern, however, according to Doctor Fernando Cuellar, who appeared today on Open Your Eyes, is that the strain is much easier to transmit.
Dr. Fernando Cuellar, Intensive Care Specialist, Belize Medical Associates
“Variant means a mutation, a change in the original virus. And it is happening all over the world. So, why Belize would be the unique spot where it would not happen, you know? So, concerns came about, serious concerns came about when we had discussions with the Ministry of Health that something is happening. And unfortunately, over the past seventeen months we should have already put in pathways to identify variants quickly.”
Marleni Cuellar
“Why is the whole world concerned about the delta virus?”
Dr. Fernando Cuellar
“Because it is easier to transmit, Marleni. I mean, it is easy. The virus has mutated, it has changed. And, every virus does this. This is for COVID. Every virus does this. That is how they survive over the years. They smart, they are genetic material, they have all this thing in built in them. So, every year you must have a new flu vaccine because of the same reason. But, that is the way how viruses survive over hundreds and thousands of years. They do their own change. And, this change that happened is to ensure their survivability. The virus survives by changing and adapting. This virus does not need a lot of viruses to affect somebody else. It is more catching.”
Channel 5