Ten (10) new COVID-19 positive cases were reported from one hundred and forty-one (141) samples processed on Sunday September 26th, 2021, resulting in a positivity rate of 7.1%. Two cases were detected on exit screen. All other cases are contacts of known positive cases and persons seeking care. Eight (8) rapid antigen positive results were reported for Sunday September 26th, 2021.
A 48-year-old female died on September 28th, 2021, of COVID-19 pneumonia. The patient tested positive for COVID-19 on September 26th, 2021, and was admitted to the COVID-19 ward at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital. The deceased had an underlying condition and was unvaccinated. Her death brings the death toll from COVID-19 to nineteen (19).
There are currently nineteen (19) patients admitted for COVID-19 at the Argyle Isolation Facility. Eighteen (18) are unvaccinated and one (1) patient is partially vaccinated. Fourteen (14) patients are admitted to the COVID-19 ward at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital. Thirteen (13) are unvaccinated and one (1) patient is partially vaccinated.
Nineteen (19) new recoveries were noted over the reporting period. Nine hundred and forty-three cases are currently active and nineteen (19) persons with COVID-19 have died. Three thousand three hundred and sixty-nine (3369) cases of COVID-19 and two thousand, four hundred and seven (2407) recoveries have been recorded in St. Vincent and the Grenadines since March 2020.
The Ministry of Health, Wellness and the Environment was informed by CARPHA of the COVID-19 sequencing results of four (4) positive samples collected from patient in St. Vincent and the Grenadines on August 30th and 31st, 2021. The samples were received at the CARPHA lab on September 2nd and 4th, 2021 and sent to the COVID19 IMPACT Project lab on September 8th and 10th, 2021. The COVID19 IMPACT project lab reported on September 25, 2021, to CARPHA that the Gamma variant of concern (VOC) – P.1 was detected in two samples and the Mu variant of interest (VOI) – B.1.621.1 was detected in two samples. The samples are from Vincentian residents who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 on August 30th and 31st, 2021. These adults have not been vaccinated against COVID-19. These cases were isolated and have since tested negative for COVID-19.
In view of the confirmed presence of the Delta, Mu and Gamma variants in the community and the significant increase in the number of new infections, transmission, severe COVID-19 disease and deaths, strict enforcement and compliance with all protocols and recommendations by everyone is strongly recommended. The correct and consistent use of masks, avoidance of crowds, physical distancing, proper hand sanitizing and immunization with available vaccines have all been proven to significantly reduce the risk of being infected, getting sick and or dying from the COVID-19 virus.
