THIRTY-ONE (31) NEW PCR AND NINETY-FIVE (95) RAPID  ANTIGEN CASES 

Eighteen (18) new PCR COVID-19 positive cases were reported from twenty-nine (29) samples  collected on Wednesday January 19th, 2022, resulting in a positivity of 62.1%. Fifty (50) new rapid  antigen positive results were reported from flu clinics on January 19th, 2022. 

Thirteen (13) new PCR COVID-19 positive cases were reported from twenty-six (26) samples  collected on Thursday January 20th, 2022, resulting in a positivity of 50.0%. Forty-five (45) new  rapid antigen positive results were reported from flu clinics on January 20th, 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) patient are partially vaccinated, and twenty (20) patients are unvaccinated. 

COVID-19 DEATHS 

No new deaths were recorded over the reporting period. 

COVID-19 SUMMARY 

Twenty-three (23) recoveries were noted over the reporting period. Eight hundred and eighty-one (881) cases are currently active and ninety (90) persons with COVID-19 have died. Six thousand  six hundred and forty-six (6646) cases of COVID-19 and five thousand and six hundred and seventy-five (5675) 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.