by Linda Straker
- All new cases linked to Patient Zero
- New cases now in isolation and being monitored
- At least one was on the same flight; other cases are from same household
Health Minister, Nickolas Steele, has confirmed that Grenada’s Covid-19 count is now at 7, with all the new cases linked to Patient Zero.
“The 6 new cases are now in isolation and being monitored by health officials. The ministry continues with aggressive contact tracing, in an effort to ascertain and mitigate further spread of the virus. I also must report that at least one of these new cases is imported, and was on the same flight, within a 6-foot radius of Patient Zero, our original case,” said Steele as he announced the new count.
“The other cases are from the same household as Patient Zero. The persons are all exhibiting mild symptoms at this time, so we are encouraged, but definitely not complacent,” he shared in an emergency news conference called on Thursday.
The first case, a 50-year-old returning national from the United Kingdom, was announced on Sunday, 22 March 2020. She arrived on 16 March and developed signs on 17 March. She was hospitalized earlier in the week after her condition deteriorated.
However, on Thursday, Acting Chief Medical Officer, Dr Francis Martin, said that following the World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines, Grenada’s Patient Zero was stabilised after admittance and was discharged.
Dr Shawn Charles, Epidemiologist in the Ministry of Health, said that all of Grenada’s positive cases range between the ages of 50 and 80, with 1 male and 6 females.
With regards to contract tracing of all positive persons, Steele said that Grenada’s medical team has been actively following up and engaged in contact tracing. “We are already moving to isolate and monitor several others, who were in close contact with any of these new cases. This will continue for the next 14 days, at least,” he said.
Grenada has already reported these 6 new cases to the WHO, and Pan American Health Organization Organisation (PAHO). All Grenada’s swabs are tested at the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) in Trinidad. In the absence of normal commercial flights, the swabs are sent via the RSS aircraft. As part of measures to combat the spread of Covid-19, on Wednesday, Prime Minister Dr Keith Mitchell announced a Limited State of Emergency for a 21-day period. This involves a daily curfew from 7 pm to 5 am.
I think the Grenada government should not of had the carnival in February. Coronavirus was strongly around then, and this could also be a infection point has people can show symptoms a few weeks after down the line.
Keeping Grenada in my thoughts!
You were very wise to start measures before patient zero! I’m sure that will help keep the numbers low – God willing!
Love from Canada
Your Grenadian government is doing a fabulous job of containing the spread of COVID-19. I am Canadian, and from what I’ve been following, many other countries – including my own – did not respond as quickly and are now suffering with many confirmed cases. Even Grenadians should be complimented on their individual efforts to follow the health advisories for hygiene and social distancing, since people of other countries have been rather complacent, some even thinking they are immune due to their young age, or others being wilfully disobedient. Of course, there will always be rebellious individuals. It’s human nature that some people have little self control. Grenada, you are doing well. Try not to argue amongst each other. Try harder to support and respect each other. I wish people in other countries would do the same.
Sorry the borders was not closed before this flight patient zero arrived on
This is high time to pray and keep close to God. This is not a time to be cantankerous ! We are known as a peaceful people. Those of you who are trying to spoil ouir reputation withyour senseless behavior and a mix of politics will be punished by God!! Only fools behave like that! Stop that nonsense! Go Read More!
God bless the Dr. Keith Mitchell and the health team for the great job they are doing.
She cannot remain at the hospital to risk spreading covid-19 to this already immuno-compromised at the hospital. That was the best move by the ministry of health.
*those
These growing coronavirus exposures are alarming, especially for Grenada.
One thing in this well written news article that really shocked me; is Why Grenada’s Patient Zero would simply be DISCHARGED from the Hospital ? That leaves room to expose others – this individual should have been Isolated !? Not Let Go. Unless there is much more to this kept from citizens, this was not a common sense move. It was a dangerous & reckless move.
Sir/Ma’am can’t you read, she is to be isolated at home where she would be monitored daily, they are simply following the guidelines of the world health organization. Stop this foolishness about keeping things from citizens, this is not the time for that.
You need to read the article again. I swear people just get online and say anything.
Thanks to the responsible government of Grenada. ( Dr George Mitchell, minister Steele, Dr Martin and the front line warriors) continue the good job.
Thank you, NOW Grenada team, for your prompt and unsensational reporting of the facts.
Agreed. Just the facts. Nothing more or less. I appreciate this.