Today Thursday May 13, 2021 the Ministry of Health and Wellness received confirmation from the Ezra Long Laboratory of 35 new cases of COVID-19. This is from a total of 261 samples taken during the period May 10, 2021 to May 12, 2021. These samples were processed on May 12, 2021.

These individuals were seen at various community respiratory clinics where they were assessed and tested for COVID-19. In-keeping with the national COVID-19 testing protocol, they were placed in home quarantine by healthcare practitioners while awaiting receipt of their COVID-19 test results. Arrangements have since been made to place these new cases in isolation. The contact tracing for these newly diagnosed individuals is underway.

Confirmation was also received of the recovery of 16 individuals bringing the total number of active cases in country to date to 178. Presently, two of the active cases are requiring critical care at the Respiratory Hospital. The new cases bring the total number of cases diagnosed in country to date to 4760.

As of May 12, 2021 a total of 25, 716 individuals have received the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine and 15, 775 individuals have received the second dose. Tomorrow Friday, May 14, 2021 the health team will be administering the COVID-19 vaccine at the Daren Sammy Cricket Grounds and the Jacmel Wellness Centre. The COVID-19 vaccination drive will cater to the general population for the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine as well individuals receiving the second dose of the vaccine. The Ministry of Health encourages all to get vaccinated to protect themselves, family, loved ones and others from the COVID-19 virus.