The Health Services Sub Committee has noted a recent increase in new COVID-19 cases in St Vincent and the Grenadines, mirroring similar increases in North America and the United Kingdom. For the reporting period December 9th – December 16th t twenty-two (22) new cases were confirmed and resulting in thirty-two (32) active cases.
On Wednesday December 14th, two more persons died due to COVID-19 at the isolation ward of the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital. The 73-year-old female and 82-year-old male, both with pre-existing conditions, were both fully vaccinated in 2021.
Persons older than sixty-five (65) years or with one or more preexisting conditions are still considered to be particularly vulnerable to serious COVID-19 infections even with the OMICRON variant currently circulating in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. In view of the recent increase in the number of new infections and new COVID-19 deaths, the MOHWE strongly recommends the correct and consistent use of masks, maintenance of physical distancing where possible, proper hand sanitizing and the appropriate immunization with available vaccines especially to persons in these vulnerable groups.
The Ministry of Health, Wellness and the Environment is reminding the public of the importance of following all the proven public health precautionary measures to ensure that we all enjoy a healthy and happy Christmas 2022. These measures include avoiding cigarette smoking and reducing the consumption of alcohol, salt, sugar and fatty foods. Remember to wash your hands, fruit and vegetables properly, keep hot food hot and cold food cold, and keep moving.
