COVID-19 cases, deaths continue to rise in the Region

One day after Suriname recorded nine coronavirus (COVID-19) related deaths, another six people have died from the virus over the past 24 hours, officials here have confirmed.

The officials say the death toll is now 91 with 20 deaths being recorded in the past seven days, making the month of September, the second deadliest month, following the 45 deaths that were recorded in August.

Health authorities said that 14 people tested positive for the virus bringing the total to 4,360, with 725 active cases.

They said 50 people were declared COVID-free in the past 24 hours, raising the total of those healed to 3,544. There are 108 people in hospitals and eight in intensive care units. Up to Monday evening, there were 635 positives in isolation and 93 in quarantine (not positive).

In Belize, a man in his 70’s became the latest casualty of the disease, bringing the total to 16. The authorities there said that 46 persons tested positive for the virus over the past 24 hours. There are now 1, 307 positive cases with 13 recovered.

The authorities said that one male, in his 30’s, is intubated at hospital.

The coronavirus cases in Guyana continue to climb with the Public Health Ministry revealing that there were 92 new cases and one more death. However, the new cases were part of the backlog of samples that were sent to the Trinidad-based Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) last week.

The Ministry said it is important to note that the total figures in the Dashboard do not represent results from the most recent testing as of Monday, but over a longer period of time.

The Ministry of Public Health confirmed a growing backlog in still to be completed tests as persons complain of having to wait two to three weeks for results.

The country currently has 535 active COVID-19 cases with 488 of those cases in home isolation.

There has been a total of 962 recoveries.

In the Bahamas, the Ministry of Health confirmed 39 new cases bringing the total number of cases to 2,585, with New providence, again leading with 1, 667 followed by Grand Bahamas with 584 and 86 in Abacco.

The Ministry also confirmed that an 81-year-old man of New Providence died as a result of the virus and that the death toll now stands at 59.

In Trinidad and Tobago, two more deaths overnight, has brought the total to 37, with the Ministry of Health saying that those who died had pre-medical conditions.

It said that the number of persons who have tested positive is 2,277 with 1,506 active cases. The authorities said that the 23 new cases reported were from samples taken between August 28 and September 6.

In Jamaica, where the government has announced a series of new measures, including an extended curfew to help curb the spread of the virus, Health Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton is warning that based on modelling, up to 1.5 million Jamaicans may contract COVID-19.

He said a minority of these positives will need hospitalisation, and the vast majority will have to home quarantine.

“The more positive cases we have, the more people will have to get well at home once they’re asymptomatic. The overwhelming majority will have no need to be placed in a hospital setting. They can stay at home, once they have somewhere to isolate… they will get well over time.”

There are currently 2,096 active cases of COVID-19 out of 3, 183 positive cases and 34 deaths. The latest death is that of an 83-year-old woman

Prime Minister Andrew Holness said people 70 and older need to be particularly careful, as of the 34 deaths, 19 were people aged 70 and older.

Holness announced a series of new measures including an 8:00 pm to 5:00 am curfew until September 23, reducing public gatherings from 20 people to 15.

In addition, there will be one person less than the maximum allowed in the license for taxis, while passengers are required to wear masks while in the vehicles.

The prohibition on funerals and parties continues. Burials are allowed with 15 people, including no more than 10 mourners. Normal church services are allowed for institutions which follow the protocols. There should be no more than 15 people gathered in the church yard.

All businesses should facilitate workers to work from home if they are able to.

Source: CARICOM TODAY