We defeated Covid-19 in Round One - If a second wave comes our way, Gibraltar is ready for it - But we must remain vigilant

Gibraltar continues in Phase 5 this week. And remains on target for Rock Unlock on 1 August.

So we are in a good place, said deputy chief minister Dr Joseph Garcia.

Together, we defeated COVID-19 in round one. The number of active cases remains very low. But we must still remain vigilant. Please bear in mind that this is not over. We remain in a public health emergency. The global pandemic continues to rage. And everything here can change very quickly.

DE-ESCALATION

But he went on to say that Gibraltar continues to de-escalate. We are paused but poised. And we stand better prepared to face COVID-19 than ever before. So if a second wave comes our way.

Gibraltar is ready for it.

As you know, 190 beds remain in place in the sports hall at Europa.

Those can be activated in 72 hours. A further 110 beds can be added within days if needed. So we maintain a state of readiness.

But we continue to de-escalate at the same time.

The GHA clinical restart plan continues to move forward. There are now more face to face appointments, more screening appointments, and more routine surgeries are being carried out.

This new posture brings new practices.

Social distancing continues to be observed.

And there are gaps between one appointment and the next. The objective at the GHA is a return to full clinical activity by 1 August. This is in line with Rock Unlock.

There has been change in other areas too.

The Swab Preparation Administrative Team have been relocated. They have moved to the Europa Point Sports Complex. The main call centre 20041818 is also moving there from Bayside School. This call centre is now working from 8.00am until 2.30pm as part of the de-escalation.

It remains the focal point for non-medical COVID-19 queries. And will soon take on a new role. All areas continue to de-escalate in accordance with approved plans.

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07-07-2020 PANORAMAdailyGIBRALTAR