COVID-19 Update: 67 Active Cases; Private Indoor Social Gatherings Involving Unvaccinated Minors Strongly Discouraged

The following is an update since the press release of October 4th. An additional 46 cases of COVID- 19 have been confirmed. They are as follows:

• 31 contacts of positive cases:
  • 17 household contacts –four fully vaccinated adult females, one fully vaccinated adult male, one unvaccinated adult female and 11 unvaccinated minors
  • 11 social contacts – two fully vaccinated adult females, one fully vaccinated adult male, two unvaccinated adult females, one unvaccinated adult male and five unvaccinated minors
  • Three workplace contacts – One fully vaccinated adult female and two unvaccinated adult males

• Two residents returned from overseas who tested positive at the end of the quarantine period

– a fully vaccinated adult female who returned from Saint Kitts and one unvaccinated minor who returned from the Dominican Republic

• 12 residents with no history of recent travel who were tested due to symptoms compatible with COVID-19: five fully vaccinated adult females, two fully vaccinated adult males and two unvaccinated adult males and three unvaccinated minors

• An unvaccinated female resident with no history of recent travel who was detected via screening for admission to the hospital for an unrelated condition

The unvaccinated adult male with several underlying risk conditions for severe COVID-19 remains hospitalized in a stable condition.

Eighteen more persons have recovered. The total number of confirmed cases since the beginning of the pandemic in early 2020 is 499 with 67 active cases at this time.

All persons are under isolation and contact tracing and investigations are ongoing.

Based on recent investigations, private indoor social gatherings involving unvaccinated minors such as sleepovers and parties are strongly discouraged at this time. Several of the newly diagnosed unvaccinated minors appear to have contracted the virus in these settings.

This is further to the guidance in the COVID-19 UPDATE from H.E the Governor & Hon. Premier of 04 October, 2021 to minimize the number of persons gathering in your home. Moreover, this is especially important at this juncture as attempts are underway to fully resume face to face learning in schools.

Be reminded that persons who have been placed under quarantine or isolation must remain separated from other individuals at all times until they are cleared to resume normal activities by the Quarantine Authority. The Ministry of Health asks that persons appreciate the importance of the testing protocols and follow the instructions of the members of the health team. Additionally, persons are asked to allow a 24to 48-hour turnaround time for results.

It is also of paramount importance for any persons experiencing symptoms compatible with COVID-19 such as flu-like symptoms, cough, fever, sore throat, muscle aches, loss of taste or smell… to isolate immediately and call the Ministry’s hotlines 476-7627, that is 476 SOAP or 584- 4263, that is 584-HAND. Out of an abundance of caution, persons experiencing these symptoms should not report to work until cleared to do so by the Ministry of Health.

Any persons who believe they may have been exposed to COVID-19 should also call the Ministry’s hotlines 476-7627, that is 476 SOAP or 584-4263, that is 584-HAND.

The wearing of masks in indoor public spaces is currently mandated in public health regulations with a penalty for breaches. Additionally, persons in intergenerational households and households with unvaccinated persons should consider mask wearing inside the homes in addition to hygienic precautions. This is especially crucial in cases where persons are experiencing symptoms, regardless of how mild.

The Ministry of Health reminds the public to continue practicing hygienic measures to protect against COVID-19. These include

• Frequent Handwashing – If water is unavailable, utilize an alcohol-based hand rub.
• Covering coughs or sneezes with a disposable tissue or in the crook of a flexed elbow.
• Avoiding contact with persons who are ill with symptoms of acute respiratory infections such as fever or cough.
• Regularly cleaning surfaces and objects that are frequently touched or handled.

Questions or concerns can be directed to the Ministry’s hotlines at 476-7627, that is 476 SOAP or 584-4263, that is 584-HAND. The Ministry of Health will continue to provide timely updates through our media partners, our official Facebook page or at www.beatcovid19.ai.