Seasonal flooding is not unusual in the Rupununi but the COVID-19 pandemic has added a new layer of complication as cases continue to rise in Indigenous communities.
At first, residents thought it was just the cold or flu; after all, such viral infections are common during the beginning of the wet season. “Nothing was thought of it,” said Michael Thomas, the Toshao of Aishalton and Vice Chairman of the South Rupununi District Council (SRDC). Having recently managed to curb the spread of the COVID-19 virus in the community, residents did not expect another outbreak this soon but as of yesterday 13 new cases were confirmed sparking another potential outbreak in the community.
Based on reports he has received, Thomas said that two additional communities have reported cases of the virus. “We are very concerned that the COVID-19 will be mistaken for the flu or cold because this has already happened and that is how it seems to be transmitted more rapid because people are thinking that is just the flu and that is why we have so many new cases,” he said.
