Today Saturday, July 17, 2021 the Ministry of Health and Wellness received confirmation from the Ezra Long Laboratory of 8 new cases of COVID-19. This is from a total of 250 samples taken during the period July 13, 2021 to July 16, 2021. These samples were processed on July 16, 2021.

All of these 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 receipt of their COVID-19 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 13 individuals bringing the total number of active cases in country to date to 122. 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 5470.

As of July 15, 2021 a total of 31, 581 individuals have received the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine and 23, 113 individuals have received the second dose. On Monday, July 19, 2021 the COVID-19 vaccination drive will be available at the Soufriere Hospital Grounds and the Vigie Sports Complex. This drive will cater to the general population for the first dose of the COVID19 vaccine as well as individuals receiving the second dose of the vaccine. 

Let us all continue practicing the infection prevention and control measures to minimize the spread of COVID-19. - Wash your hands frequently using soap and flowing water - Wear a mask in public places and ensure it covers the mouth, chin and nose - Maintain a physical distance from others - Use a bleach solution to sanitize frequently touched surfaces and frequently handled objects - Avoid contact with other people who have flu-like symptoms - If you are experiencing flu-like symptoms, keep away from others and seek medical care

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

For more information please contact the Office of the Chief Medical Officer or the Epidemiology Unit, at 468-5309/468-5317 respectively.