The number of persons testing positive for the COVID-19 virus in St Vincent and the Grenadines remains at one – a female who had travelled to the United Kingdom. That confirmation was announced on March 11, 2020 following notification from the Public Health Lab of the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) of the positive result.
The female who tested positive was immediately placed in isolation, which will end on March 24th. To date, the Ministry of Health, Wellness and the Environment has tested 23 persons. The Ministry has further taken several infection control measures including mandatory quarantine of the persons with a travel history to countries of interest or contact with a known COVID-19 case. Ten persons are currently in quarantine.
The Ministry continues to work actively with the Public Health Lab at CARPHA, which is authorized to provide confirmatory tests for COVID-19 for its member states.
Officials of the Ministry of Health, in partnership with the Ministry of National Security, continue to improve and strengthen systems to enhance surveillance at all ports of entry. In addition, the Ministry continues to disseminate up to date information on the virus and its impacts across the country through community engagement and a multisector approach which includes the business sector and other institutions.
At this time, the ministry would like to appeal to residents and visitors to remain vigilant and to continue to practice rigorous personal hygiene, social distancing and overall infection prevention and control.
Also, if you are feeling unwell, stay at home and call your healthcare provider for advice. Pay special attention to the care of the elderly persons, especially those with non communicable diseases such as, hypertension, diabetes, cardiorespiratory diseases and cancer. Wash your hands regularly. Avoid crowds and keep your hands out of your face, cover your sneeze and cough.
The Government of St Vincent and the Grenadines will continue to keep you, the public, informed as we work together to reduce the spread of COVID-19.