BARBADOS – The number of persons infected with COVID-19 in Barbados today rose to 68, with one positive result out of 11 tests done by the Best-dos Santos Public Health Laboratory yesterday.
The new patient is a 53-year-old Barbadian female, who returned from abroad on March 11.
This brings the number of patients in isolation to 53. The number of people who have recovered remains at 11 and the number of deaths at 4.
The public health laboratory has carried out 747 tests to date. Of these, 33 males and 35 females have tested positive for COVID-19. They range in age from seven to 95.
Roseau, Dominica – (April 10, 2020) Dominica recorded its 16th confirmed case of COVID 19 on April 9, 2020. The announcement was made by Minister for Health, Wellness and New Health Investment, Hon. Dr. Irving McIntyre at a press briefing on April 9, 2020. All contacts of this new case are being traced for swabbing and testing. Dr. McIntyre further informed the nation that 4 of the confirmed COVID-19 patients would be discharged from hospital on April 9, 2020 as they would have had 2 negative tests results in a 24-hour period. An additional 4 patients are expected to be discharged this week providing that their second test results are negative.
The Dominican population was commended for following the guidelines set forth by the Ministry of Health to combat COVID-19, however Acting Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Curvin Ferreira urged that these practices must be strictly adhered to for the foreseeable future to prevent future spread of the disease, particularly by patients who may be asymptomatic. The Ministry’s capacity to test for COVID-19 is being enhanced with additional test kits received from the People’s Republic of China, the Pan American Health Organization and the Venezuelan Government. Testing for COVID -19 in Dominica is ranked at number two in the Caribbean, as 44 tests are being done per 10,000 persons. Dr. Ferreira further informed the public that the Ministry of Health is preparing to use an antibody test for COVID-19 and trials have been conducted in the Laplaine Health District. This antibody test will aid in determining who is immune to COVID-19 and who is susceptible to the disease.
The Ministry of Health, Wellness and New Health Investment will increase its capacity to deal with COVID-19 patients in the event that there is a surge in new cases. An entire ward of the Dominica China Friendship Hospital will be retrofitted to house and treat COVID-19 patients, and this will be used to house and treat patients suffering from other infectious diseases after the COVID-19 crisis. Additionally, the COVID-19 hospital in Portsmouth is being retrofitted to accommodate an additional 18 patients. The Ministry of Health, Wellness and New Health Investment continue to advocate for proper hand washing, practice of good respiratory hygiene, wearing of face masks when in public spaces, physical distancing and staying home.
ST. KITTS AND NEVIS
Basseterre, St. Kitts (April 10, 2020) – As of April 9, 2020, the Prime Minister of St. Kitts & Nevis Dr. the Hon. Timothy Harris has announced that, effective as of 7:00 p.m. Thursday, April 9, 2020, through 6:00 a.m. Thursday, April 16, 2020, a 24-hour full curfew will again be in effect.
During the extended State of Emergency and the COVID-19 Regulations made under the Emergency Powers Act, no one is permitted to be away from their residence without special exemption as an essential worker or a pass or permission from the Commissioner of Police. For a complete listing of essential businesses, click here to read the Emergency Powers (COVID-19) Regulations and refer to section 5. This is part of the Government’s scaled up response to contain and control the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
As of April 10, 2020, there were 12 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the Federation. 205 persons have been tested, 12 of whom were confirmed positive with 137 persons confirmed negative and 0 deaths. 29 persons have been quarantined in a government facility while 159 persons are currently being quarantined at home and 12 persons are in isolation. To date, 470 persons have been released from quarantine.
This is an unprecedented time and the dangers that confront the Federation demand that Government takes serious actions to confront and overcome this pandemic. These strong measures are in place for the stated term and Government shall continue to evaluate and adapt required measures as necessary as the situation evolves.
At this time, we hope everyone and their families remain safe and healthy.
JAMAICA
JAMAICA HOSTS “TOGETHER WE STAND” TELETHON TO RAISE FUNDS FOR PPE TO PROTECT FRONTLINE HEALTHCARE WORKERS
Virtual Fundraising Concert aims to provide direct assistance to purchase needed supplies and equipment
KINGSTON, JAMAICA – April 10, 2020 – The Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) is raising awareness to help Jamaica fight the spread of COVID-19 with ‘Telethon Jamaica, Together We Stand.’ On Sunday, April 12 at 4:00 pm ET (3:00 pm Jamaica time), the virtual fundraising concert will feature remote performances by some of Jamaica’s leading artists and celebrities including Koffee, Shaggy, Sean Paul, Maxi Priest and Richie Spice. The six-hour event will be livestreamed on VP Records’ YouTube channel and a portion of the broadcast will be aired live on Television Jamaica and various digital platforms.
“‘Telethon Jamaica, Together We Stand’ is a call to action to support our doctors, nurses and healthcare professionals during this challenging time,” said Donovan White, Jamaica’s Director of Tourism. “The donations made will provide essential resources to continue protecting our healthcare workers on the frontline and help fight the spread fight the spread of COVID-19 across all our communities. I have been inspired by Jamaica’s display of solidarity thus far and I am confident that as a resilient nation, we will get through this together.”
