Sandals Team Members Educated on Chikungunya

Sandals Grande Antigua Resort and Spa is taking the lead in the hotel industry in ensuring its team members are protecting themselves against the Chikungunya virus.

On Tuesday, a group of health officials were invited to hold a lecture at the hotel where employees from various departments, international students on the internship programme and managers got a chance to dialogue on topics surrounding the virus which has become prevalent across the Caribbean.

Dr. Terry-Ann Joseph with a background in Public Health spoke to the group about the signs and symptoms of Chikungunya.

She also cautioned those in attendance that, “If a member of the household has Chikungunya and the mosquito bites that person, that same mosquito can transfer the virus to every other person in the house and this is why it is important to take extra precautionary measures around people who show symptoms associated with Chikungunya”.

Chief Health Inspector Lionel Michael, speaking on the virus revealed that based on the reports from the hospital and clinics, there are just about 1200 cases of persons with Chikungunya. He also mentioned how his department is dealing with the vector/Aedes aegypti mosquito.

“We have also realized that the highest index of mosquito breeding is in the southern side of the island and so we do extra fogging there”.

Organizer of the lecture Sandals’ Environment, Health and Safety Manager Andrea Marshall says Sandals has always paid attention to mosquito prevention.

“Here at Sandals, we carry out fogging on a daily basis in the evening and our Landscaping department also has daily inspections of areas that are prone to hold stagnant water.

The attendees were also encouraged to wear mosquito repellents, clothing that minimizes exposure of the skin, to place screens across their windows, among other prevention methods.