No study shows ‘melanin is a protective factor’ against COVID-19 - Epidemiologist Brewley
“No studies to date have proven that melanin is a protective factor to the coronavirus,” she said on the March 10, 2020, edition of the ‘Honestly Speaking’ radio show on ZBVI780am with moderator, Claude O. Skelton-Cline.
According to Mrs Brewley, as an Epidemiologist, her job is to understand as much as she can about the virus, “the predictors, the risk factors, the high-risk populations, the high-risk areas, we chart the transmission, we can give probabilities and scenarios and we keep abreast and monitor the disease situation as it unfolds,” she said.
COVID-19 similar to SARS
Mrs Brewley noted that they monitor the spread of the virus and what is happening on both the global and regional level, and when the need arises, at the local level.
She said COVID-19 in essence, is related to SARS as it is another species of a string of viruses knows as Coronavirus, “But just like you have siblings in your family that are related, but yet different, its similar to how SARS and COVID-19 are,” she said.
“It infects the cells similarly, it produces the same type of symptoms like the raspatory symptoms… but it is an entirely new virus,” she said, underscoring that SARA had a higher death rate that COVID-19.
The Epidemiologist said that while it remains speculative as to what exactly caused the virus, she noted that it is linked to the Wuhan district of China.
Travel restrictions
So far, the Virgin Islands has taken a number of measures to prevent the spread of the virus as it relates to travel to and from the territory, including the blocking of cruise ship calls starting today, Saturday, March 14, 2020, and the postponement of local festivals.
According to the Government Information Service (GIS), passengers and crew members who have travelled to, from or through COVID-19 affected countries as specified in a list of countries within a period of 14 days or less will be subject to quarantine upon arrival in the Virgin Islands.
With effect from tomorrow Sunday, March 15, 2020 passengers and crew members who have travelled to, from or through COVID-19 affected countries within a period of 14 days or less will not be allowed to enter the territory exclusive of Virgin Islands nationals and permanent residents.
According to health authorities, the measures are being taken to prevent the introduction and active transmission of COVID-19 in the Virgin Islands, thereby safeguarding the health and wellbeing of all residents and visitors.
A full list of travel restrictions can be found here.
15 Responses to “No study shows ‘melanin is a protective factor’ against COVID-19 - Epidemiologist Brewley”
And so you know that we appreciate your kind comment, you can continue feeling that you are not under judgement.
Also where would a returning resident nonbelonger stay for 14 days if they cannot stay in St Thomas or San Juan?
Luv the skin you are in. Enjoy the health benefits of the sun but do not be boastful.
And be wary of harvesting!!!.