The Ministry of Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs continues to manage the fourth wave in country. From July 25, 2021 to present we note 6,475 cases at an average of 84 cases per day. 50% are in the age group 25-49years. 57% of the cases are female. At present we have 1,114 active cases in country. The majority of the cases are from Castries, Gros- Islet, Vieux-Fort and Babboneau. There are presently 55 COVID-19 patients admitted to the Respiratory Hospital. 2 of them require critical care and 9 are severely ill. The daily infection rate for the past week was 22.1 per 100,000 per day which is a 68% decrease from the previous week. We note a steady decline in the rate of transmission at this point with a present rate of 1.3.

During that period we note 133 COVID-19 deaths, on average 3 deaths daily with a case fatality rate of 2.1%. Males account for 56% of the deaths. We note an increase in severe cases, admissions and deaths from the south western zone of the country which also corresponds to the areas of low vaccination uptake. Investigations and specific interventions will be implemented to address this issue.

Today Monday October 11, 2021 the Ministry of Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs received notification from the Caribbean Public Health Agency of 9 new cases of the Delta Variant. All of the cases are nationals, from across the island. 7 of them are female, 2 male and the ages range from 25 to 69 years.

The Ministry of Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs notes reduction in the transmission rate, hospitalization rates, positivity rates, prevalence rates and forecasts average resolution of this fourth wave by November, 2021 if there are no major increases in risks for new transmission.

We continue to note cases diagnosed related to social activities, work places and spread between families. To date from the positive cases diagnosed in country less than 2% have been fully vaccinated. 98% of the COVID-19 deaths and COVID-19 related deaths at Respiratory Hospital were unvaccinated. The 2% deaths who were fully vaccinated had other serious underlying health conditions which contributed to their demise.

We continue to ask the public to work with us and exhibit responsible behavior to manage this fourth wave. Let us all take personal responsibility to keep ourselves and families safe. At present we have available both the Pfizer and Astra Zeneca vaccine free of charge in country at the various wellness centers. These vaccines have been proven to be safe and effective in protecting persons from developing COVID-19, its severe forms, complications, hospitalizations and death. Parents are encouraged to vaccinate their children from 12 years and older, let us make the educational environment safer.

We continue to advise the public to remain vigilant and adhere to the protocols that are put in place to keep us safe. These include regular hand washing, use of face mask in public places, avoiding crowds and persons with respiratory symptoms and keeping frequently touched surfaces clean.

The Ministry of Health and Wellness will continue providing updates to the public as new information becomes available.