The Ministry of Health and Wellness late Sunday April 18, 2021 received confirmation from the Ezra Long Laboratory of 16 new cases of COVID-19. This is from a total of 175 samples taken on April 16, 2021 and April 17, 2021. These samples were processed on April 17, 2021.

These sixteen 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 the return of their test results. Arrangements have since been made to place these newly diagnosed individuals in isolation. The contact tracing for these new cases is underway.

Confirmation was also received of the recovery of 8 individuals bringing the total number of active cases in country to date to 99. Presently, one of the active cases is requiring critical care at the Respiratory Hospital. The new cases bring the total number of cases diagnosed in country to date to 4417.

As of April 16, 2021 a total of 23, 664 individuals have received the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine and 37 individuals have received the second dose. Today Monday, April 19, 2021 the health team will be administering the COVID-19 vaccine at the Soufriere Hospital Grounds, Vigie Sports Complex and Dennery Mothers’ Preschool. Everyone interested in getting vaccinated are encouraged to pre-register ahead of time via the online platform https://hmi.govt.lc/ or at the Community Wellness Centre nearest to you.