The daily infection rate for the last 7 days is 94.9 per 100,000 population per day which represents a 43% reduction from last week, with a 44% average testing positivity rate and a transmission rate of 2.9. We have 49 positive cases admitted at the Respiratory Hospital, 6 of them are severely ill. We have recorded a total of 325 COVID-19 deaths. Since the commencement of the 5 th wave on December 16, 2021, 7,780 cases have been diagnosed with an average of 173 cases per day.

Women account for 59% of the cases and 29 COVID-19 deaths have been recorded 55% of which is male. The majority of the deaths are COVID-19 related due to other associated chronic health conditions. Tourists account for 2% of the cases diagnosed for the past 7 days but 4.8% of the total cases during the 5 th wave. Although the cases diagnosed are island-wide, the main areas affected are Castries, Gros-Islet, Vieux-Fort and Babonneau.

This week although we continue to register cases, the seven-day average approximation indicates a downward trend in the epidemiological curve. We note reductions in most of the public health indicators. The cases of COVID-19 noted on a daily basis still has the capacity to cause an increase in hospitalizations, deaths and effect on productivity in the work place.

We appeal to all organizations, including the public and private sector to ensure the strengthening of all public health protocols.

- Avoid large crowds and crowded areas - If you develop respiratory symptoms, seek medical care and avoid contact with others.

-Avoid large meetings and crowded activities and social gatherings.

- Ensure the protocols are maintained at all work places and sectors, on minibuses and  commercial and tourism sector, gyms, hardware stores, supermarkets and recreational activities.

- Ensure safe physical distancing for face to face meetings and activities - Use of face mask when in public places - Ensure regular cleaning of surfaces and sanitation of all business establishments and environments.

- Ensure you remain in quarantine or isolation if you were a direct contact of a case or a member of your household is positive.

- Limit social activities at work.

- Encourage vaccination of employees The Pfizer, AstraZeneca and Johnson and Johnson vaccines are available at the various wellness centers and advertised sites.

These vaccines have been proven to be safe and effective in protecting persons from developing COVID-19, its severe forms, complications, hospitalizations and death. The booster vaccine is also available for persons who have been fully vaccinated for over 6 months.

Everyone who has not been vaccinated is urged to get vaccinated urgently. The Ministry of Health and Wellness will continue providing updates to the public as new information becomes available.

For more information please contact the Of ice of the Chief Medical Of icer or the Epidemiology Unit, at 468-5309/468-5317 respectively. 

Advertisement

TO RECEIVE NEWS NOTIFICATIONS And Covid NEWS VIA WHATS APP PLEASE SAVE OUR NUMBER AND SEND US A MESSAGE AT 7584896261 AND WE WILL ADD YOU TO OUR LIST