The Ministry of Health, issues a statement expressing concern over what it says has been the expected increase in the number of people testing positive for COVID-19.
This it attributes to the increase in social activities during the festive season.
It speaks of several factors accounting for this, including increases in social gatherings, non-adherence to protocols, and a rise in travel to and from Grenada.
The statement noted that all countries around the world are experiencing similar conditions, and, as such, Grenada is not likely to be any different.
In its continued efforts to safeguard the population, it goes on to state, that the Ministry of Health has taken all the necessary measures to prevent a repeat of the detrimental effects of the surge which occurred from August to October.
The Ministry of Health outlines the strengthening of surveillance at ports of entry, improvements in the country’s health systems, and continuous access to, and availability of COVID-19 vaccines, which in fact, Grenada now has the largest selection and number of available vaccines per capita than ever before.
The Ministry speaks of its strategy of increased testing, and that health officials continue to encourage everyone to get tested if individuals have been exposed to, or is experiencing symptoms of COVID-19.
It says testing is available on weekdays at all health centers and on weekends at various vaccine/testing clinics throughout the island.
Dr. Myanna Charles, the Senior Medical Officer in the Ministry of Health says, and in her words, “We do not want to revisit our past experiences, but this largely depends on each individual’s behaviour, adhering to protocols that are intended to protect ourselves and by extension our community and our country.”
On the basis on not wanting to revisit the days of curfew, lockdowns, and other stringent measures, she’s asking the general public to be mindful of COVID-19 during everyday activities.
And, seeing that the end of the year is usually filled with many social events as persons gather to ring in the New Year, Dr. Charles makes an appeal for everyone to act responsibly.
She appeals for people to wear a mask properly while in public; avoid unnecessary social gatherings and be mindful that events held indoors carry a greater risk of transmission of COVID-19; Maintain social distancing; Sanitise or wash hands regularly; Get tested if exposed or experiencing symptoms of COVID-19; Stay at home and quarantine if experiencing symptoms of COVID-19; Get vaccinated and if you have already received your primary series of a COVID-19 vaccine, then, get boosted.
