by Dr Shawn Charles, Acting Chief Medical Officer
The Ministry of Health is currently engaged in intense contact tracing efforts following the country’s latest Covid-19 case, which was recorded on 3 August, as a departing passenger engaged in the required testing for travel.
The discovery of this latest case, the 170th for Grenada, is quite unique, as it was not confirmed on arrival in the country, but as part of the departure process.
The case, a female in her 20s, arrived in Grenada on Monday, 26 July from the United States, with a negative PCR test. In accordance with the country’s entry protocols, as a fully vaccinated person she was tested on arrival, the result of which was also negative.
Having been released from quarantine on 27 July based on the results of that test, the individual proceeded to visit a total of 10 locations between 28 July and 3 August.
Upon detection of the positive result following testing on 3 August, the Ministry of Health verified the test result, with a second test at another laboratory and immediately embarked on the requisite contact tracing efforts. So far, only one contact has been isolated and tested, the result of which is not yet known.
Case #170 has reported experiencing congestion. Her identified contact, a family member, is experiencing mild congestion.
In light of this latest development, the Ministry of Health is encouraging the population to exercise extreme caution and to continue observing the recommended protocols — physical distance, avoiding mass gatherings, wearing masks in public spaces, regular washing or sanitisation of hands. Further, the Ministry of Health advises that persons who may be experiencing flu-like symptoms, should isolate themselves and contact the nearest health facility.
The Ministry of Health further reminds the population that the Covid-19 pandemic is a very fluid situation that requires constant vigilance. The country has fared well, but it is important to keep our guard up at all times.
We have witnessed how rapidly the situation can change when the virus is present, oftentimes forcing countries to take stringent measures to protect the population.
The more recent strains of the coronavirus, particularly the Delta variant have been determined to be far more contagious and deadly. While this particular variant has not been identified in Grenada to date, it is known to be present in locations from where we receive visitors, therefore vigilance cannot be over-emphasised.
It is unfortunate that the news of this development comes at a time when the country is on the verge of celebrating what we hope will be Olympic gold, but we must urge caution as we celebrate the prowess of our athletes, a beacon of hope in very challenging times. We will not discourage celebration of this potential victory, but we encourage persons to do so with restraint and to observe the protocols. We cannot escape the fact that the virus is present and we must keep our guard up at all times.
At present, we have only documented that one additional case but the circumstances create tremendous cause for concern and we must all remain vigilant. Grenada currently has 4 active Covid-19 cases.
As this is a rapidly unfolding situation, the Ministry of Health will continue to update the population within the coming days.
GIS
GET the VACCINE ! lets all move on together. For the skeptics – science matters, all else is debatable ! Remember the reason we are living longer is because of VACCINES and SAFE WATER. FACTS=FACTS. BS=BS
I was skeptical, but after surviving typhoid fever in 1971 and a near fatal car crash in 2008. What do I have to lose. You think about it, all these vaccines you been getting since you were a child you don’t know whats in it.. But you’re alive. If there’s one vaccine, be it experimental or not that would keep you alive won’t you want it. I have lost too many friends and coworkers to Covid 19 to argue with ignorance. I choose living.
Delta variant have been determined to be far more contagious and deadly. This is false information, that should be corrected.
………………….
Does the Delta variant (VOC-21APR-02) cause more severe disease than other variants?
The latest evidence does not suggest that the Delta variant (VOC-21APR-02) is more harmful than the Alpha variant, which was first identified in Kent.
This statement above is from the UK NHS site. The ALPHA variant is the original Covid19 that appeared.
Now Grenada, please get your facts correct. Stop spreading miss information and scaring people……
More than billion people have been vaccinated for Covid. How many people do they “experiment” on under ideal conditions before releasing other vaccines?
Sometimes you have to choose between 2 imperfect options. The choice is between “what if” speculation based on misinformation vs the real long term effects that vaccine hesitancy is creating right now such as debilitating health problems in survivors, the creation of more robust Covid variants, continual lockdowns, financial crises, of yeah.. and death. Is it your human right to choose to continue doing this to society at large?
VAXXERS – a fantastic book- the inside story of the Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine, from two of the leading scientists who created it Professor Sarah Gilbert and Dr Catherine Green. The ‘recipe’ for the vaccine is at the back of the book. Grab a copy and be informed.
The vaccine is experimental. Not approved. Only authorized for emergency use( technical terms). The vaccine companies posted this on their website as instructed by CDC. They are collecting data( what happens to people after the jab). No one knows what will happen long term because it has mot been tested ( the normal process). They mean well but there is no guarantee. Now they are making booster because they realize ( from what they see happening to people) that people don’t have proper coverage. It’s an experiment. No one can be forced to take part in an experiment. It has to be voluntary. ( Basic Human Rights Rule).The experimental vaccines have lots of negative effects on people but the information is withheld to decrease vaccine hesitancy. Let people decide for themselves what they want in their bodies
Do you have any sources for the claims that you make?
This case is clearly an eye opener for everyone including those health officials who claim they know what they’re doing… Being fully vaccinated does NOT make you immune to Covid-19. Everyone who enters the country whether they are fully vaccinated or not should remain in quarantine for at least a week.
This person had at least ten contacts. How many contacts have these contacts had? See how easy it spreads? It makes no sense to not get vaccinated. Yes, you can still catch Covid if you are vaccinated but symptoms will be much less severe & hospitalisation or even death are unlikely.
I think everyone can make thier own decisions on whether or not to put an experimental vaccine in their body or not.
Why do people keep using the term experimental? This is false information. It was experimental when it was being developed. After clinical trials it was approved for emergency (not experimental) use. The emergency being the Covid 19 pandemic.
Not true at all all are in experimental stage and only approved for emergency use this is fact
Hello Dr Fairweather. Such a high science and knowledge in terms of drug regulation. Can I recommend you for Nobel prize?
Not experimental (source 1): https://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/fact-check/covid-19-vaccines-experimental
Not experimental (source 2): https://www.reuters.com/article/factcheck-covid-vaccines-idUSL1N2M70MW
Not experimental (source 3): https://healthfeedback.org/claimreview/covid-19-vaccines-received-emergency-use-authorization-from-the-fda-after-clinical-trials-demonstrated-that-they-are-safe-and-effective-covid-19-vaccines-arent-experimenta/
Not experimental (Aussie Source): https://www.health.gov.au/initiatives-and-programs/covid-19-vaccines/learn-about-covid-19-vaccines/how-covid-19-vaccines-are-tested-and-approved
And I can continue to list many sources related to this. Covid is coming and Grenada is not prepared to handle this pandemic. We have been well protected, till now. And now, we are on our own.
Well Big Bob
If you are big and maybe obese you are in the highest risk group.
Best of luck with your anti-vaccine stance
Really…is that the best you have?? The MAJORITY of people who have coronavirus FULLY recover due to them having only mild symptoms. So having the jab doesn’t guarantee immunity! You are just repeating the rubbish you hear from pathetic politicians.
This new wave is dubbed the Pandemic of the Unvaccinated.
99.5% of covid deaths are of the unvaccinated
So who are the unvacinnated people contracting from??? Keep in mind the vaccinated do carry as they’re less immune…so what does this change? Based on the current case..absolutely nothing because we’re all at risks. Either way society should be allowed to make their own decisions on the jab.