WITH the Caribbean region being menaced by potential twin disasters, COVID-19 and predictions of an active hurricane season, head of the Disaster Risk Reduction Centre at The University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona, Dr Barbara Carby says technology acquired for managing the pandemic should be leveraged in the wake of other calamities.

Addressing a World Environment Day mini forum hosted by the university's Faculty of Science and Technology last Friday, Dr Carby said investments made in the response to the COVID-19 pandemic should be put to further use.

We have the technology, we have the information, we have the data for COVID-19, so how can we not leverage that for another major event, whether it be an earthquake, a hurricane, or a major flood?

Turning to further adjustments to planning that may be required in light of COVID-19 and major hurricanes, based on the recommendations from the Pan American Health Organization for physical distancing for emergency shelters, which speak to separation of 4.5 feet for a “short stay”, which is 18 hours, and six feet for times longer than 18 hours, she said planners will need to identify additional, safe shelter space.

In pointing out that additional shelter supplies will be needed, Dr Carby said, in addition to the normal food and water stocks, “shelter supplies should now include disposable masks, gloves, fluid-resistant aprons, shoe covers, and goggles” for individuals who are going to be cleaning and disinfecting these spaces.

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