EDITOR, The Tribune.

It is the end of September 2020. Although we have learned a lot about the virus SARS-CoV-2 which causes the disease COVID-19, the topic continues to be a political pinata and the public is on the losing end of the stick.

Many people have written to The Tribune and other media outlets to share their concerns and suggestions about COVID-19, as well as a variety of important topics.

Sadly, elected officials and people in powerful positions do not appear to be listening to the public and they have failed to present a robust plan to treat COVID-19 or to rebuild the economy.

Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis is a doctor, so some medical knowledge, creative ideas and access to resources for COVID-19 should have been in the cards.

But the consistent “solution” that PM Minnis has offered is lockdown after lockdown after lockdown, which has not solved the problem but instead resulted in the destruction of Bahamian businesses, massive unemployment, astronomical debt, overwhelming stress and a list of other serious problems.

When British Prime Minister Boris Johnson was hospitalised for COVID-19 in April 2020, PM Minnis sent best wishes to him for a speedy recovery.

Perhaps PM Minnis would inquire about the successful treatment protocol that PM Johnson received and they can share the information with the public so we have more knowledge and resources to tackle COVID-19.

Mr Philip Davis, leader of the PLP, went to the US in August to be treated for COVID-19.

He says “my daughter Philippa is a very senior doctor in the United States” and “the lead nurse in the hospital in Atlanta grew up in Andros”.

Perhaps Mr Davis would share the following information with his fellow Bahamians because it would help us combat COVID-19 and move forward with our lives:

1. What treatment did Mr Davis receive in the US that enabled him to have a speedy recovery and is the treatment available in The Bahamas?

2. How is he using his personal experience with COVID-19 and the medical contacts that he has in the US to help Bahamians prevent and treat this disease?

3. What are Mr Davis and his colleagues doing to improve medical care in The Bahamas?

As we continue to wait for elected officials to work in the best interest of the public and share COVID-19 treatments that saved their lives and the lives of countless others, a multi-faceted approach to prevent and treat COVID-19 includes the following suggestions:

1. Speak with your medical practitioner regarding treatments used by doctors around the world and determine the best plan for you. Potential treatments include:

a. Dexamethasone.

b. Remdesivir.

c. Hydroxychloroquine, zinc, and either azithromycin or doxycycline.

d. Ivermectin, zinc and doxycycline.

e. Budesonide inhaled via a nebulizer, zinc and clarithromycin.

f. MATH+ Protocol.

g. Any other protocols that you and your doctor are aware of and would like to share with others.

1. Grow and enjoy Bahamian fruits, vegetables and “bush medicine” because they provide natural vitamins, minerals and essential nutrients that gently detoxify the body, support the immune system and reduce stress. Proper nutrition also helps to prevent and fight COVID-19, as well as other diseases.

2. Wear a safe, comfortable, protective face mask when necessary.

3. Use safe, environmentally-friendly products that are appropriate for personal hygiene.

4. Improve the air filtration system in the home and workplace.

5. Exercise to the best of your ability.

6. Enjoy the fresh air outside and absorb natural vitamin D for free from the sun.

7. Use safe methods to reduce your stress and the stress of others.

8. Help health care professionals and first responders so they have the knowledge, training and resources they need to do their job safely, efficiently and effectively.

Treatments for COVID-19 will allow us to get back to work, open our doors to tourists, rebuild our economy and have fun again. So let’s release the fear, treat COVID-19, and elect a first-class team of honest government officials who have a clear vision and a viable plan for the success of Bahamians and The Bahamas.

Please see “Part 2” of this article regarding a vaccine for COVID-19 (to follow in a later edition).

Thank you to The Tribune for allowing the public to express their concerns and suggestions.

FORWARD, UPWARD, ONWARD, TOGETHER

Nassau,

September 25, 2020.