Today Tuesday August 3, 2021 the Ministry of Health and Wellness received confirmation from the Ezra Long Laboratory of 6 new cases of COVID-19. This is from a batch of 144 samples taken during the period July 30, 2021 to August 2, 2021. These samples were processed on August 2, 2021.
These newly diagnosed 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 each placed in home quarantine by healthcare practitioners while awaiting the return of their COVID-19 test results. Arrangements have since been made to place them in isolation. The contact tracing for these new cases is underway.
Confirmation was also received of the recovery of 2 individuals diagnosed with COVID-19 bringing the total number of active cases in country to date to 168. Presently, two of the active are requiring critical care at the Respiratory Hospital. The new cases bring the total number of cases diagnosed in country to date to 5652.
As of July 29, 2021 a total of 32, 291 individuals have received the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine and 24, 775 individuals have received the second dose. Tomorrow Wednesday, August 4, 2021 the COVID-19 vaccination drive will take place at the Vigie Sports Complex and the Dennery Mothers’ Pre-School catering to the general population (18 years and older) for the first dose as well as individuals receiving the second dose of the vaccine.
People can also access the COVID-19 vaccine at the various wellness centers around the island and can make an appointment via a call or walk in.
It is very important that we should be mindful that we are still managing the COVID-19 pandemic which poses great risk to ourselves, family, friends and others. Let us all make it a priority to adopt behaviors that can help to reduce exposure to the COVID-19 virus. The Ministry of Health wants everyone to continue practicing the infection prevention and control guidelines which includes hand hygiene, use of a face mask in public covering the mouth, nose and chin, maintaining a distance from others and using a bleach solution to sanitize frequently touched surfaces and handled objects. If you are experiencing flu-like symptoms, keep away from others and seek medical care at your closest community respiratory clinic.