Today Friday, May 7, 2021 the Ministry of Health and Wellness received confirmation of 47 new cases of COVID-19 from the Ezra Long Laboratory. These results are from a batch of 249 samples processed on May 6, 2021. This is the highest daily increase in COVID-19 cases noted for the last 12 weeks. The majority of the cases (63%) are from the southwestern belt of the island.

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

Confirmation was also received of the recovery of 11 individuals bringing the total number of active cases in country to 136.  Presently, all of the active cases are doing well. The new cases bring the total number of cases diagnosed in country to date to 4654.

The increase in COVID-19 cases noted this week is of concern to the Ministry of Health. Therefore, the necessary public health systems are being strengthened to manage the situation.

The Ministry of Health reminds the public that we are still in a vulnerable position based on the high risk of the introduction of COVID-19 and the variants of

concern from the developed countries and neighboring Martinique and transmission in-country due to poor compliance to protocols.

We continue to advise the public to remain vigilant, adhere to the protocols that are put in place to keep us safe. These include regular hand washing, use of face masks in public places, covering the nose, mouth and chin, avoiding crowds and people with respiratory symptoms and keeping frequently touched surfaces clean.

We are privileged to have access to vaccines in the COVID-19 fight.  Vaccination remains the most effective public health measure in managing infectious diseases. The Astra Zeneca vaccine has been proven to be safe and effective in protecting people from developing COVID-19, its severe forms, complications, hospitalizations and death. We continue to urge the public to access the various vaccination sites to get immunized at the soonest. The vaccine is available free of charge to the public at many venues on a daily basis. As of yesterday, May 6, 2021 a total of 24, 985 people have received the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine and 10, 836 have received the second dose of the vaccine. Encourage your family and friends to get immunized so we can all be protected.

The Ministry of Health and Wellness will continue providing updates to the public as new information becomes available.