In her weekly COVID-19 management address, the CMO, Dr. Sharon Belmar-George noted an overall decrease in COVID-19 cases but she also noted an outbreak at the island’s lone correctional facility. Her full remarks below:
The Ministry of Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs continues to manage the fourth wave in country. From July 25, 2021 to present we note 6,897 cases at an average of 75 cases per day. 50% are in the age group 25-49years. 57% of the cases are female. At present we have 400 active cases in country. The majority of the cases are from Castries, Gros- Islet, Vieux-Fort and Babboneau. We are also managing a COVID-19 outbreak at the Bordelais Correctional Facility.
There are presently 34 COVID-19 patients admitted to the Respiratory Hospital, 7 are severely ill. The daily infection rate for the past week was 14 per 100,000 per day which is a 25% decrease from the previous week. We note a steady decline in the rate of transmission at this point with a present rate of 1.2.
During that period we note 151 COVID-19 deaths, on average 3 deaths daily with a case fatality rate of 1.9%. Males account for 57% of the deaths.
We continue to note the reduction in the transmission rate, hospitalization rates, positivity rates, and prevalence rates and forecasts average resolution of this fourth wave by November, 2021.
Today, the Ministry of Education has commenced the phased approach to face to face learning for critical grades. The Ministry of Health is working closely with them to ensure a safe learning environment for all students, teachers and support staff. We appeal to parents to work closely with the schools to ensure a coordinated approach during this transition. We also appeal to the minibus sector to follow all recommended protocols to allow the safe transportation of students to school.
We continue to ask the public to work with us and exhibit responsible behavior to ensure our recorded COVID-19 numbers remain low. We are working to ensure the sustainable school re-opening for all of our children. Let us all take personal responsibility to keep ourselves and families safe. Our behaviour as
adults directly affects the education of our children at this point.
At present we have available both the Pfizer and Astra Zeneca vaccine free of charge in country at the various wellness centers. These vaccines have been proven to be safe and effective in protecting persons from developing COVID-19, its severe forms, complications, hospitalizations and death. Parents are
encouraged to vaccinate their children from 12 years and older, let us make the educational environment safer.
We continue to advise the public to remain vigilant and adhere to the protocols that are put in place to keep us safe. These include regular hand washing, use of face mask in public places, avoiding crowds and persons with respiratory symptoms and keeping frequently touched surfaces clean.
The Ministry of Health and Wellness will continue providing updates to the public as new information becomes available.
