Property destruction in The Bahamas. (Photographs of the damage from Hurricane Dorian in The Bahamas in 2019 tell a greater story than we at CARICAD could imagine. For this publication, several photographs were graciously provided by Father DeAngelo Bowe, Rector of the Holy Spirit Anglican Church in The Bahamas) Continued from previous page The Novel Coronavirus was first reported in the Caribbean during the first week of March 2020. It had been reported in at least 14 Caribbean countries and territories by the third week in March. The virus proved very infectious with high levels of person-to-person transfer. Member states quickly went into “Lockdown” mode. Member states up to this point seem to have done a good job in controlling the spread of the virus. Most are reopening in a phased manner. The Novel Coronavirus dramatically affects: Proximity and personal closeness in all business and social interactions The distance that must now be maintained between workers Handling of materials, especially paper money, wood, plastic, glass and stainless steel Air and sea travel Seating arrangements for public transport, schools and tertiary institutions The way all medical and personal care services must now be delivered Hand washing practices Sanitation regimes Hours of work — wearing cloth masks or other facial coverings for extended periods of time Dining arrangements at work and in public Sports, recreation and entertainment events POLICIES AND STRATEGIES The list of issues shown above is creating a “new normal” for human interaction throughout the world. The 2020 hurricane season coincides with efforts in member states to “re-open the economy and society”. This means that the challenge to maintain physical and social distance will be greater than it was during “Lockdown”. There could be unprecedented management challenges in relation to Hurricane Preparedness among the CARICAD member states that are threatened each year by tropical storms and hurricanes. Continues on next page 3
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