Ministry of Health: “COVID-19 from now on seen as a flu virus”

April 20, 2023  –WILLEMSTAD – The Ministry of Health, Environment, and Nature (GMN) has made a significant announcement regarding the status of the Covid-19 virus. The Ministry believes that the virus should now be seen as similar to a flu virus and, as a result, the number of positive infections will no longer be published for the time being. The decision was made because the virus has become less severe and less deadly, and people are now more likely to self-test instead of visiting official testing locations. 

The GMN acknowledges that COVID-19 is still contagious, and as a result, people should continue to comply with rules that are in place to prevent the spread of the virus. This includes washing hands regularly, wearing a face mask in areas where there is a high risk of transmission, and sneezing into one’s elbow. 

Although the number of positive infections will no longer be published, the ministry will still keep track of the exact number of infections. If the infection numbers rise, the ministry will inform the population. This decision is based on the belief that it is essential to keep people informed about the state of the virus so that they can take appropriate measures to protect themselves and others. 

It is worth noting that the decision to view COVID-19 as a flu virus is not a universal opinion. Many medical professionals still believe that the virus poses a significant threat to public health and that measures to control its spread should remain in place. However, the GMN’s decision reflects the changing nature of the virus and the evolving situation regarding its impact on public health. 

The GMN’s decision to view COVID-19 as similar to a flu virus and not publish the number of positive infections is a significant shift in the way that the virus is perceived. While people are still advised to take appropriate measures to prevent its spread, the decision reflects the changing nature of the virus and the belief that it is less severe and less deadly than it was at the height of the pandemic.