Today Wednesday March 3, 2021 the Ministry of Health and Wellness received confirmation of 24 new cases of COVID-19 from the Ezra Long Laboratory. These results are from a batch of 98 samples taken on March 1 and March 2, 2021. The samples were processed on March 2, 2021.
All of the twenty four cases were seen at various community respiratory clinics where they were assessed and tested for COVID-19. In keeping with the COVID-19 testing protocols, they were each placed in home quarantine by healthcare practitioners while awaiting receipt of their test results. Arrangements have been made to place these newly diagnosed cases into isolation. The contact tracing for these new cases is underway.
Confirmation was also received of the recovery of 157 individuals diagnosed with COVID19. This brings the total number of active cases currently recorded in country to date to 537. Presently, three of the active cases require critical care at the Respiratory Hospital. The new cases bring the total number of cases diagnosed in country to date to 3803.
Today, the Ministry of Health also reports one COVID-19 related death bringing the total number of deaths in country to 39. Death #39 is a 62 year old male with underlying medical illness. He was admitted into care at the time of his passing. The Ministry of Health expresses condolences to the family and loved ones of this individual.
The Ministry of Health is pleased to announce that the backlog of COVID-19 PCR testing at the Ezra Long Laboratory is completely cleared and is reverted to a 24 hour turnaround time. The Ministry of Health thanks the general public for their patience during the delay and is confident that there will be improvement in the processes at the Ezra Long Laboratory.
Every citizen is asked to be mindful of the importance of behaving in ways that can reduce our exposure to the COVID-19 virus. We all need to continue practicing the infection prevention and control guidelines of hand hygiene, use of a face mask in public covering the mouth, nose and chin, maintaining a distance from others and use a bleach solution to sanitize frequently touched surfaces and handled objects. If you are experiencing flu-like symptoms, keep away from others and seek medical care at your closest community respiratory clinic.
The Ministry of Health and Wellness will continue providing updates to the public as new information becomes available.