REGIONAL: Three COVID-19 related deaths recorded within 72 hours in Grenada

 SOURCE: CMC- Three people who were admitted to the COVID-19 Unit of the General Hospital here died within a 72-hour period, officials disclosed, and six other persons have been hospitalized due to complications related to the virus.

The island is currently experiencing community spread of the virus with more than 440 active cases. The COVID-19 dashboard for Wednesday showed 125 confirmed new cases from PCR testing on that date, but hundreds more people are awaiting test results.

Senior Medical Officer Dr. Myanna Charles disclosed on Tuesday that the rate of COVID-19 positive confirmation has increased from 3.2 per cent to 11 per cent, a change she described as dire.

“A few days ago, health officials had to conduct about 33 tests before they got a positive case, today, they are only conducting about 10 tests before they see a positive case,” she said.

“The situation is very, very serious and we need to take heed and remember the core public preventative measures which include wearing the masks properly over your nose and mouth, social distancing, sanitising, and avoiding crowded spaces. More than ever, we need the general public to take heed and practice those measures.”

A news release from the Government Information Service said that positive cases have been recorded in all parishes. Statistics provided by the Ministry of Health reveal that the capital, St. George’s has the highest rate of COVID-19 positive cases at 45 per cent. St. John/St. Mark combined have recorded 31 per cent, St. Andrew 17 per cent, St. David 6 per cent, and St. Patrick 1 per cent.

The spike in cases occurred after hundreds of citizens participated in several mass gathering events. Some of these events were attended by a mix of vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals and, according to Acting Chief Medical Officer Dr. Shawn Charles, protocols were not adhered to at those events.

Last month, the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) confirmed that the Delta variant of the virus was present in Grenada, after ten samples were submitted for laboratory analysis.

Dr. Charles said the Ministry of Health believes it is that variant infecting Grenadians in the current outbreak.