by Linda Straker
- Cluster of Covid-19 cases identified could be infected with Delta variant
- Common factor for infected individuals is exposure to farewell party
- Current active Covid-19 count is 19; four are locals with no travel history
Health officials in Grenada are concerned that a cluster of Covid-19 cases identified — following the holding of an illegal “house party” with a mixture of returning nationals and locals as well as vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals — could be people infected with the Delta variant of Covid-19.
“From what we have seen, we are concerned that it is the Delta variant that may be circulating in our population,” said Acting Chief Medical Officer Dr Shawn Charles who confirmed that samples for sequencing will be sent at the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA).
“We sent a small number last week and we intend to do the same this week with all these cases,” Dr Charles told the media during the post weekly cabinet briefing on Tuesday, 17 August 2021. Up to 2 weeks ago Grenada had zero cases of Covid-19, but that all changed as more and more Grenadians returned in the early days of August.
This year’s carnival celebrations were officially cancelled but there were many illegal gatherings. According to Health Minister Nickolas Steele, this was in violation of the Covid-19 health protocol as well as the Emergency Powers Regulations.
“What we can say is that from that party, so far we have identified 5 individuals who have tested positive. It is likely that this party was a super spreader event, so all of the individuals who attended that party last Thursday, these individuals may have contracted Covid, and they are out there in the community,” said Dr Charles who urged individuals who know they attended the party to get tested.
Grenada’s current active Covid-19 count is 19 and 4 of the cases are locals with no travel history. All are being actively investigated. One case is a vaccinated hospitality worker identified through contact tracing.
“Of the cases we are most concerned about, the cases that I mention that were in St George Northwest. These individuals were somehow linked to a cluster that we are beginning to identify. One of those individuals also attended one of those party cruises and we are following up on that lead,” said Dr Charles.
This individual along with another case, also attended a farewell party or house party or yard party in which there were over 30 people. “Right now, we are trying to identify these individuals. They are also among their families, so right now their families are at risk as well.” Dr Charles pleaded for individuals to get tested and or become vaccinated against the virus.
All individuals infected are currently between the ages of 12 and 50, and are in 2 different parishes; the common factor is exposure to the farewell party.
Using the opportunity to encourage all citizens to become inoculated with the Covid-19 vaccine, Dr Charles said that the virus does not negotiate, and taking personal responsibility for one’s actions can determine if “we all go down together.”
“We know what we have to do to stop this from becoming a catastrophic situation,” he said.
seemingly most Grenadians want to get their immunity to covid19 the hard way….
And now how did Grenada get into this situation? All started when the entry for vaccinated was possible with just 48h quarantine, while hundreds of unvaccinated tourists (who filled hotel rooms for 7 days and were no problem but bringing money to this beautiful islands) were not allowed anymore. They were no problem. The vaccinated that get released too fast bring the problem.
We should have 5 days for vaccinated and 7 days for unvaccinated, no matter if Grenadian or tourist. Let those willing to take the long quarantine and bring money into our country get here and keep the businesses alive, make them pay for their tests just like before the first of August.
Why do Grenadians keep using the excuse “but vaccinated people still get the disease” as a reason not to get vaccinated? Nobody has ever claimed that the vaccine is 100% effective, no vaccines, antibiotics or medicines ever are 100% effective. Astra Zeneca after two doses is 90% effective against the virus, the other 10% can still get the virus but with much less severe effects. The thousands of people in hospital in US & UK with the virus all have the Delta variant. 95% are unvaccinated & only 5% have been vaccinated. The figures speak for themselves. Why are you all so blind you cannot see & so deaf you cannot hear & so ignorant you don’t want to know the facts. I will keep saying this until I am blue in the face, there is only one way Grenada will not get a massive surge in cases & that is to get vaccinated now, before it is too late.
Per Dr. Charles “we know what we have to do:, my question is what is the government responsible for? Over 25 years in power and the government never put healthcare as a priority and now we in the middle of a worldwide pandemic and they looking to the people to do what need to be done and take a vaccine to protect themselves from something the vaccinated is not protected against? Read that again…. I’ve read a lot of comments on social media and all over and not once anyone blame the government for us being unprepared as always and expecting the people to take lead and be responsible. I thought the government was responsible for guarding the people and not the other way around. Being vaccinated should be an individuals personal choice. They should NOT be coerced/manipulated into doing so. Stop with the scare tactics and use this time to build up the health system. We have the best school of medicine in the world and we’re crippled in dealing with this pandamic? Are you serious? You know how embarrassing this looks?
As for the entry protocols I think they need to remove the 24-48 hour for vaccinated people entering the country back to 7 days just like the unvaccinated. These random detections is because the vaccinated could have the virus and it does not show for days that’s how its being spread. Be consistent with visitors…one rule…7 days across the board. That’s how u control this along with monitor of the regional borders. How much Vincentians entered illegally the past fee months? Ok then. A coast guard in each parish around the clock. Do all you work man. This could work…
Correction to my post *they should NOT be coerced/manipulated into doing so*
Was so eager to make my point…
All visitors coming into Grenada have to be fully vaxxed – Returning Grenadians don’t need to be vaxxed. Absolutely crazy.
To right the law has to be upheld but it’s up to the local people to be within the law also. People of Grenada please please stop and think what you are doing please get the vaccine it will save lives
this happens because of selfishness and indifference…
1000s of SGU students return to Grenada and there is no problem. A few Grenada nationals return and start community spread. Wake up Grenada you are your own worst enemy. The world is busy, it is time to help yourself and stop waiting for handouts.
They keep using the word illegal which if it is the case why the authorities turned a blind eye at those illegal gatherings?
If something is illegal then we have a legal obligation to enforce the law and deal with those offenders according to the law.