NEW COVID19 CASES

Three (3) new PCR COVID-19 positive cases were reported from twenty (20) samples collected  on Monday January 17th, 2022, resulting in a positivity of 15.0%. One hundred and twenty-one (121) new rapid antigen positive results were reported from flu clinics on January 17th, 2022. 

Seven (7) new PCR COVID-19 positive cases were reported from sixteen (16) samples collected  on Tuesday January 18th, 2022, resulting in a positivity of 43.8%. Ninety-two (92) new rapid  antigen positive results were reported from flu clinics on January 18th, 2022. 

The current COVID-19 testing algorithm, based on the WHO recommendations appropriate for  this phase on the current outbreak, reduces the number of RT-PCR tests conducted, relying more  on rapid antigen and clinical diagnosis. 

HOSPITAL ADMISSIONS 

There are currently no patients admitted for COVID-19 at the Argyle Isolation Facility. Twenty eight (28) patients are admitted to the COVID-19 ward at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital, two  (2) of whom are pregnant and one (1) of whom is younger than eighteen. 

Six (6) of the admitted patients are vaccinated, two (2) patients are partially vaccinated, and twenty (20) patients are unvaccinated. 

COVID-19 DEATHS 

Two (2) new deaths were recorded over the reporting period. 

A 74-year-old female tested positive for COVID-19 on January 6th, 2022, she was admitted to the  isolation ward at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital and died on the 18th of January of COVID 19 pneumonia.

An 83-year-old male presented at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital (MCMH), with symptoms  typical of COVID-19, he tested positive for COVID-19 on January 19th, 2022, and later died at the  MCMH. He was determined to have died of COVID-19 pneumonia. 

Both patients were unvaccinated. Their deaths bring the death toll from COVID-19 to ninety (90). 

COVID-19 SUMMARY 

Fourteen (14) recoveries were noted over the reporting period. Eight hundred and seventy-three (873) cases are currently active and ninety (90) persons with COVID-19 have died. Six thousand  six hundred and fifteen (6615) cases of COVID-19 and five thousand and six hundred and fifty two (5652) recoveries have been recorded in St. Vincent and the Grenadines since March 2020.  

In view of the confirmed presence of the Omicron as the dominant variant in the community and  the significant increase in the number of new infections, transmission, severe COVID-19 disease  and deaths, strict enforcement and compliance with all protocols and recommendations by  everyone are strongly recommended. The public is reminded to always wear a properly fitting  mask, get vaccinated and boosted and seek care early.