Two new COVID-19 deaths reported in St Vincent and the Grenadines

Two new COVID-19 deaths have been reported in St Vincent and the Grenadines, bringing the total number of deaths to 118.

The Health Services Sub Committee of the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) in a release issued on December 16 said on Wednesday December 14, two more persons died due to COVID-19 at the isolation ward of  the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital.

“The 73-year-old female and 82-year-old male, both with pre existing conditions, were both fully vaccinated in 2021,” the release said.

The release said a recent increase in new COVID-19 cases in St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG), mirroring similar increases in North America and the United  Kingdom has been noted.

For the reporting period December 9 – December 16, twenty-two new cases  were confirmed and resulting in 32 active cases.

“Persons older than 65 years or with one or more preexisting conditions are still  considered to be particularly vulnerable to serious COVID-19 infections even with the OMICRON  variant currently circulating in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

“In view of the recent increase in  the number of new infections and new COVID-19 deaths, the MOHWE strongly recommends the  correct and consistent use of masks, maintenance of physical distancing where possible, proper  hand sanitizing and the appropriate immunization with available vaccines especially to persons in  these vulnerable groups.

“The Ministry of Health, Wellness and the Environment is reminding the public of the importance  of following all the proven public health precautionary measures to ensure that we all enjoy a  healthy and happy Christmas 2022. These measures include avoiding cigarette smoking and  reducing the consumption of alcohol, salt, sugar and fatty foods. Remember to wash your hands,  fruit and vegetables properly, keep hot food hot and cold food cold, and keep moving.”