Eighty-seven (87) new COVID-19 positive cases were reported from four hundred and seventy-four (474) samples processed on Wednesday September 22nd, 2021, resulting in a positivity rate of 18.3%. One (1) of the new cases is a fully vaccinated imported case from the United Kingdom while another of the new cases was detected on exit screening. All other cases are contacts of positives or persons seeking care.
There are currently twenty (20) patients admitted for COVID-19 at the AIF. Nineteen (19) are unvaccinated and one (1) patient is partially vaccinated. A further nine (9) patients have been admitted to the COVID-19 ward at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital. 8 are unvaccinated and one (1) patient is fully vaccinated.
Seven (7) new recoveries were noted over the reporting period. Seven hundred and seventy-seven cases are currently active and seventeen (17) persons with COVID-19 have died. Three thousand one hundred and fifty-eight (3158) cases of COVID-19 and two thousand, three hundred and sixty-four (2364) recoveries have been recorded in St. Vincent and the Grenadines since March 2020.
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.