The Men’s T20 ICC Cricket World Cup is scheduled across six Caribbean
countries- Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines,
Saint Lucia and Trinidad and Tobago alongside the United States of America
from June 4th to June 30th, 2024. In Saint Lucia the cricket matches are
scheduled for 15-24, June 2024.
In an effort to facilitate the hosting of such a monumental mass crowd event, the
Ministry of Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs with the support of the
Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) and Pan American Health
Organisation (PAHO) has taken a proactive approach to ensure the
comprehensive mass gatherings risk assessment for Saint Lucia is done with the
preparation plan.
The Men’s T20 ICC Cricket World cup is classified as a mass gathering sports
event and poses health challenges due to the concentration of large crowds. Host
countries must be equipped for the early detection of outbreaks, potential
bioterrorism threats, increased injuries and violence, ensuring timely and
appropriate public health interventions for the safety and well-being of
participants, spectators and the host country population.
CARPHA has led the coordinated surveillance response to ensure robust health
security measures are in place throughout the Caribbean. A potential health risk
is posed due to the increased number of visitors arriving from diverse regions
with diseases that are not endemic to the Caribbean. As such, Saint Lucia has
implemented enhanced surveillance systems at designated sites linked to the
cricket matches.
A risk communication plan to identify the major health and information hazards
during the hosting of the matches and to assess the levels of risk at the match
venues is also in place. The main focus of this plan is to identify and implement
communication mitigation measures for the hazards. This includes the
education of spectators on disease prevention measures and hygiene practices.
The laboratory capacity is also enhanced during the period with improved rapid
testing of diseases of public health importance through the procurement of
specified laboratory tests. This is focused on diseases not endemic to the region
and bio threats. Arrangements have been made for referral to CARPHA for
specific tests. A team from CARPHA will be on island to support surveillance and
laboratory testing.
The health infrastructure readiness assessment was carried out to assess the
readiness of human and other resources at local healthcare facilities to handle
potential health issues, including surge capacity for increased patent load.
Medical services will be available at all match venues. During the period of the
cricket matches from June 15-24, 2024 the Gros-Islet Polyclinic will provide
24hour health coverage. This will allow full access to care especially for the late
matches and after parties.
The Environmental Health Department will carry out Vector control measures
including daily fogging of match venues to prevent the spread of vector borne
diseases. Stringent food safety standards at event venues, ensuring the safety of
food and beverages served to participants and spectators. Infection Prevention
and Control training has been delivered to key personal in hospitality services at
event and accommodation sites. Port health systems have also been
strengthened.
The Ministry of Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs advises the public who
attends the T20 Cricket to take all necessary precautions to maintain health and
wellness. Drink in moderation, do not drive under the influence, do not smoke
in public spaces, stay home or seek medical care if unwell, avoid disputes that
may end in violence, obey traffic guidelines, keep hydrated by drinking sufficient
water during the matches and after every drink with alcohol, use mosquito
repellent especially during night matches and protect your skin with sun block
during day time matches.
Let us enjoy the spectacle of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 safely!
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