Nineteen new COVID-19 cases have been confirmed in persons residing on Bequia, which health authorities say is part of a second wave outbreak of COVID-19 in St Vincent and the Grenadines.

As a result, two government offices, five schools and some pre-schools on Bequia have had to be closed to contain further spread of the virus.

These 19 cases on the small Grenadine island are part of 31 cases reported for June 9, and are “strongly suggestive of a second wave outbreak of COVID-19 in St. Vincent and the Grenadines…. Extensive contact tracing is ongoing and it is anticipated that more  cases will be detected,” a June 11, 2021 release from the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) said.  

The release said the associated quarantine and isolation measures implemented to contain the further spread of  COVID-19 in Bequia have required the closure of BRAGSA Bequia, the Local Government  Office, Paget Farm Primary School, Bequia Government Primary School, Bequia SDA Secondary  School, Bequia Community High School, Lower Bay Primary and some preschools. 

“The Ministry of Health, Wellness and the Environment is providing additional support to the health  care team on Bequia to ensure that this outbreak is quickly contained. The full cooperation of the  entire community of Bequia and the remainder of St. Vincent and the Grenadines is critical if this  second wave, which is affecting the entire country is to be rapidly and efficiently curtailed.  Compliance with all existing protocols including mandatory mask use in public spaces and private  spaces to which the public has access, restrictions of mass gatherings to ten persons (10) indoors  and twenty (20) outdoors, no indoor dining and restricted occupancy in public vessels and vehicles  is critical. 

“The effectiveness and relative safety of available COVID-19 vaccinations to reduce the spread of  the SARS-CoV-2 virus has been proven throughout the world. Residents of St. Vincent and the  Grenadines aged 18 years and older are strongly encouraged to protect themselves, their families  and livelihoods by becoming vaccinated as a matter of urgency. COVID-19 vaccines approved by  the World Health Organization are still available at all government health clinics free of charge.  

“The Health Services Subcommittee of NEMO will continue to work with the public, the Royal St  Vincent and The Grenadines Police Force (RSVGPF), other ministries and civil society to contain  the spread of COVID-19 in St Vincent and the Grenadines,” the release said.