2 May update – one new case

Today, 2 May 2020, I announce the 21st laboratory-confirmed case of Covid-19 here in Grenada.

To date, there have been 20 total cases on mainland Grenada, of which 13 have been declared medically recovered. The total active cases is now 7. This most recent case is a male in his early twenties, who is also an employee of the same company as four of our previously announced cases.

His household has been in quarantine, and so are the other possible contacts of case 15. Already, all of the employees of that company, and their contacts have been tested, with most returning negative. However, given the science of the disease, they continue to be monitored, based on their periods of possible exposure.

Health officials continue to be vigilant with their contact tracing, and are still working to determine the original point of contact for these workplace cases.

As we discussed before, that company is still closed and must demonstrate adherence to safety measures before it is allowed to reopen. We will ensure that every business that opens up, or requests permission to open up, does so with observance to the strictest levels of health and safety protocols.

We have developed guidelines for health and safety in the workplace, in consultation with unions, employers and other stakeholders. Each workplace must demonstrate that it will adhere to those guidelines, in order to receive permission to operate. While we are all anxious to resume further economic activities, we have repeatedly said that we will not do so at the expense of lives.

Workplaces, especially enclosed spaces, are ideal places for the transmission of viruses. Therefore, we urge everyone to remember to keep your guard up in the workplace, just as you would in the outdoors. Exercise the same measures, such as frequent handwashing, use of hand sanitisers, practice physical distancing of at least 6 feet and wear your masks, always. These measures, when combined have proven to drastically reduce the spread of the virus.

Fellow citizens, our present case is cause for concern for another reason. This is one of our youngest cases, so far. Health experts the world over have been raising alarm in recent weeks over the increasing number of young people contracting and dying from the virus.

Source: CARICOM TODAY