Statement from Minister for Health, Nickolas Steele.
I announce that today, Thursday, 26 March 2020, Grenada records 6 other laboratory-confirmed cases of Covid-19.
Among the 6 cases are persons who came in some form of contact with our first recorded case that we announced on Sunday.
The 6 new cases are now in isolation and being monitored by health officials.
The ministry continues with aggressive contact tracing, in an effort to ascertain and mitigate further spread of the virus.
I also must report that at least one of these new cases is imported and was on the same flight, within a 6-foot radius, of Patient Zero, our original case. The other cases are from the same household as Patient Zero.
Again, I assure you that our medical team has been actively following up and engaged in contact tracing; and are already moving to isolate and monitor several others who were in close contact with any of these new cases. This will continue for the next 14 days at least.
The persons are all exhibiting mild symptoms at this time, so we are encouraged, but definitely not complacent.
Allow me to take the opportunity to report that Patient Zero was hospitalised earlier this week, but is now again stable and her symptoms are back to being mild to moderate.
I also report that in the aftermath of learning of our first confirmed case, health care officials had moved, days ago, to isolate other members of the household, to ensure that any potential for further spreading was minimised.
We have already reported these 6 new cases to the World Health Organisation (WHO), and Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO).
The public is advised to report or inform the Ministry of Health or nearest health facility, of any possible, or suspected persons displaying acute respiratory symptoms at this time.
Whatever you do, if you believe you are exhibiting symptoms of the virus, do not leave your house. Do not take public transportation.
Call the Covid-19 Helplines: 458-4787 or 538-4787.
In closing, as the Minister for Health, I cannot reiterate enough, that as a population, we must continue to heighten our awareness of, and rigidly observe the practices and precautions necessary to contain the spread of Covid-19, here in the State of Grenada.
Wash your hands frequently; practice proper cough and sneeze hygiene; do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth with unclean hands. It is extremely critical that you also maintain social distancing of at least 6 feet. I cannot stress that enough.
We are now in a Limited State of Emergency, designed to contain and curb the spread of Covid-19. I urge you to abide by the regulations of this 21-day period.
If we all do our part, we will be able to win the battle against this deadly disease.
GIS
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To all my Grenadians people, I am so proud of how the Minister of health is handling things at home. Just follow the rules. No one die in Grenada but hundreds die in NY. Stay safe.
Stop playing the blaming game! This is not the time for that! You all should be praying instead of incorporating politics … I’m so ashamed of some of you behavior! You behave like little kids. You sound like ignorant fools! You need to grow up! Go on a season of prayer! This is not the time for arguments!
Good job Mr. Prime minister and the medical team! I’m praying for you all!
Why some people are so bad minded and still finding fault about the government. People if u dont have anything positive and uplifting SHUTYOUR MOUTHS. No need for negative politics behaviout. This virus iwill not select people, WATCH YOUR OWN BACKS. PRAY,PRAY. Thanks to the tracing done.Nicholas you are doing a good job. May god give you health and strength to continue saving these people.
What Grenadians have going for them is that it is a relatively hygienic society and there are lots of hot weather. Grenadians also tend to be in good physical health.
These are uncharted waters for everyone and it is not surprising that countries are caught without testing equipment . Grenada is not the only country without testing equipment. The government in Antigua had to send its samples abroad as well.
Here in England, the government is still as unprepared and is only now importing basic things like face masks and protective gear for the NHS.
What does the hot weather do?
Sad to hear, but may be inevitable. Vigilance is the key, our small close neat islands cannot afford to community spread or else we all dead.
People, let’s all behave as if we all are suspects, just to kerp the awareness alive.
Tell these ministers to stop lying to the people about contact tracing .. because am sure when they brought in the first set of ppl they sent them back to there homes .. so how many other persons have these infected persons can into contact with .. from the time they took the test.. this Government playing games with ppl lives out here … How come up to now we don’t have a machine to do our own testing ..
Ok now do we this seriously…these people have been in direct contact with this person…just follow the rules PLEASE