Unless we start doing something different these stats are only going to get worse. These are appalling numbers for a small nation like ours. What I would like to know is how many positive tests are we recording against the number of tests taken? This provides a good indicator of how much of a community spread we have. In Europe, I believe they are aiming for a ratio of under 5% I suspect our ratio is much higher. The Health authorities need to show this ratio on their dashboard.

And do you think the number of bodies in the PMH morgue is exaggerated as well?

There are no tourists! Haven't you noticed? Talk of opening up to tourism next month is a waste of time. Until we get this virus under control no tourists will be coming here any time soon.

Rather than focusing on limited opportunities for small hotel operators, I would be happier if government presented a clear plan for reversing the current trajectory of the infection rate. It feels like the competent authority has given up on defeating the spread of the virus and has been persuaded by others to just carry on and pretend it doesn't exist. Hence the re-opening next month regardless of the worsening numbers. We have to do something different because the numbers won't just magically start reducing. So what is government's plan to reverse this worsening trend? Focusing on re-opening is surely putting the cart before the horse.

We have to try but I just don't see many tourists wanting to come here at the moment knowing that we have a daily infection rate of anything between 50 and 90 per day and our health system presently overwhelmed. With restaurants restricted to open air only and the big casinos closed, what are small hotels going to be able to offer in this climate?

"Trump is a smart guy with common sense who is relatable to common people".

I don't know where to begin with that so I won't as I suspect I would be wasting my time.

Government simply has to find a way of feeding the needy, that is non-negotiable. However, I agree with you that the country cannot continue to pay every civil servant a full salary when many are at home making no contribution to government efficiency. Thousands of private sector workers have been made unemployed, are working reduced hours or are working on reduced salaries. It is totally unjust that civil servants continue to be protected from all of this. We are in this together.

The reality is the perpetrator could based in Nigeria, Russia, the Far East for all anyone knows. Scammers are so sophisticated these days and they have lots of time to spare.

I agree with Bahamianson. What is beyond belief is the PM asking us to "just persevere with current measures for just another three weeks" and stating that the country is opening up for tourists on October 15th!!! Does he not realise how ridiculous this sounds? The current numbers are horrendous and potentially devastating for our small country. An increased number of COVID deaths will inevitably follow. Let's stop pretending that we are ready to open up - this sounds like something out of the Trump playbook. I am not suggesting that we have another crippling lockdown but we have to improve our testing capability, continue with face covering and social distancing and accept the fact that further restrictions may be needed.

I am all for keeping businesses open but just think it is premature to be suggesting we are only weeks away from being back to normal. Face coverings and social distancing need to be continued until this thing is under control. Otherwise, no visitors will want to come to our islands where infection rates rage and there are no hospital beds.