by Dr the Rt Hon. Keith Mitchell, Prime Minister
Fellow Grenadians, we have arrived at a critical juncture in our fight against Covid-19!
In the past week, 20 of our fellow citizens, residing right here among us, have tested positive for the disease. They are our family, our friends, our colleagues, the schoolmates of our children. My friends, the risk of exposure has never been greater.
Earlier this week, health officials disclosed the emergence of what appeared to be a cluster of cases, linked to a number of unauthorised social activities. In the ensuing days, the ministry undertook massive contact tracing and testing in various communities, to determine the extent of the locally transmitted infections.
The epidemiological situation continues to unfold, and to date, Grenada has recorded 211 cases since the start of the pandemic in March 2020. Currently, there are 30 active cases and 20 of these persons have no recent travel history. This is the single most concerning factor as it confirms local transmission of this dreaded disease. Further, 2 of the positive cases are minors, one as young as 5 years old. This, in particular, breaks my heart. I wish them all a speedy recovery.
More than 140 persons are currently in isolation and health officials are continuing the arduous task of tracing the contacts of the infected and getting them tested. The situation could get worse before it gets better, but we remain prayerful and steadfast.
Three clusters have so far been identified and are directly linked to private parties and unauthorised events in St John, St George North West and St George North East, all of which were attended by more than 20 persons. None of these activities were granted permission by the Royal Grenada Police Force and there was general non-compliance with established protocols. In addition, some of the same individuals who attended these events and tested positive, also participated in the carnival-like activities in Gouyave and Sauteurs during last week. In short, sisters and brothers, we had a series of super-spreader events during the week of 8-15 August.
Based on the science, and the multiplier effect with respect to transmissibility, it is likely that the number of infected persons could rise further in the coming days. Additionally, if it is in fact the Delta variant that is circulating in Grenada, the rate of infection can be much higher, but we await confirmation of that from the Caribbean Public Health Agency when they have tested the samples provided by the health team.
In hindsight, we can easily cast blame and point fingers, whether to revised protocols or a greater demonstration of personal responsibility and compliance with the regulations, but the fact is, we are where we are. As with many other issues of national importance, this administration has repeatedly advocated collaboration and in this ongoing fight against Covid-19, our recommended approach remains the same. We must work together, we must unite, we must synchronise our efforts, particularly during this challenging period. I commend all the citizens of this country who have diligently followed the protocols and played their part in this fight. Encourage your peers to do the same as we work towards the common objective of surviving Covid-19.
This morning, I convened an emergency session of the Cabinet, for my colleagues and I to collectively identify the way forward. Our backs are against the wall, but as responsible leaders, we will take the necessary actions, maybe sometimes unpopular ones, to continue safeguarding the people of our beloved country.
There will be changes in the Covid-19 Regulations as of midnight, therefore, effective Saturday, 21 August 2021, the curfew will be implemented at 9 pm and end at 5 am daily. All approvals already granted for social events, including private parties, bus tours and boat rides, within the next 2 weeks, have been rescinded, with immediate effect. Therefore, there should be no social gatherings, inclusive of weddings and funerals, with more than 20 persons present and which do not comply with the stipulated protocols. These measures will remain in effect until 3 September 2021 and I encourage full compliance as the revised protocols are intended to protect us all.
Sisters and brothers, the measures are not intended to be punitive, they are necessary actions which we believe will help to contain the spread of Covid-19 here in Grenada. Countries around the world continue to grapple with finding the right combination of measures that will effectively address their national situation. Over in neighbouring Dominica, just days ago, the government extended the daily curfew for another week and included a total lockdown this weekend. In Jamaica, my colleague Prime Minister has just announced several no-movement days in addition to daily curfew hours. And in New Zealand, the confirmation of the first case since February triggered a national lockdown, with more cases having since been identified.
My friends, this pandemic, and more so, the emergence of variants such as Delta which are far more transmissible and deadly, require swift and decisive action to save lives. And this is exactly what Government intends to do, with the measures announced.
By themselves, these measures will be useless if we do not all accept personal responsibility for our actions. Here, I must underscore the importance of adhering to all of the Covid-19 protocols that have been in place for more than a year – the wearing of the masks in public spaces, maintaining physical distance, and washing or sanitising hands frequently. I cannot emphasise enough, the importance of us all working together, for the common good. We cannot afford complacency, we cannot afford irresponsible behaviour, we cannot afford wanton disregard for the recommended protocols and the rule of law; this is a battle to be fought on multiple fronts. My friends, let us work together, we can win this war, Covid-19 will not defeat us!
Sisters and brothers, even as we focus our energies on containing the spread of the disease, we must also continue to promote vaccination. The number of persons who have been vaccinated remains unacceptably low. We are jeopardising our own ability to survive this crisis if we do not arm ourselves with the measure of protection that is readily available.
For several months, we have had the AstraZeneca vaccine available here and while close to 18,000 Grenadians are now fully vaccinated, some have expressed hesitancy and the need for a different option. We have listened to your cries and thanks to the generosity of the United States administration, we have now received 29,250 doses of the Pfizer vaccine. The Ministry of Health will begin administering this vaccine from Monday, 23 August thus making available to Grenadians 2 options from which they can choose, and giving parents for the first time, an opportunity to protect their children as young as 12 years old. Let us choose life and make good use of the availability of those vaccines.
Vaccine equity poses a serious challenge around the world, but we are blessed to have an ample supply of vaccines to safeguard a sizeable portion of our population. Herd immunity is the goal, attaining it will give those unable to be vaccinated, a better chance at surviving this health crisis. Let us be our brother’s keeper. The life we save could be your parent or grand-parent, another close family member, your friend, a colleague from work, a classmate from school, a church brother or sister. Just this week, Pope Francis, head of the Catholic Church described getting the coronavirus vaccine as “an act of love”. I fully endorse that sentiment and you should too. My friends, let us show love, love for ourselves, our families, our friends, our country — get vaxxed today, it’s an act of love.
There is overwhelming scientific evidence showing that unvaccinated persons are those most at risk now. In the United States, the statistics show that nearly all Covid-19 deaths are happening among those who are unvaccinated. Here in Grenada, while thankfully we have only recorded one death, health officials have confirmed that among a group of 5 persons recently exposed to the virus, 4 tested positive, while the lone vaccinated individual, has not contracted the disease. Vaccinated persons who have contracted the disease are experiencing much milder symptoms.
My friends, the power is in our hands, let us make the right choice to protect ourselves. I have done it and I continue to encourage all who are eligible to get vaccinated. The science is clear, the vaccine will not prevent you from contracting the virus, but in the event of a breakthrough infection, persons are not likely to experience severe symptoms and to require hospitalisation.
I must at this point, issue an appeal to our social partners and all persons of influence in the society, to be more vocal in the fight against Covid-19. The Government is doing its part, we are continuing to take the necessary measures to protect lives and safeguard livelihoods; we are continuing to ensure that public officers are paid in full and on time; we are continuing to create the enabling environment that promotes economic activity, but we need your help. We need you to stand with us, as partners in this process. Your choice to lend your voice could mean the difference in whether or not we continue to wage a successful battle against this dreaded disease, which is unrelenting in its attack on human beings around the world.
In closing, I want to acknowledge and to profusely thank our frontline team. Without your leadership and daily sacrifices, this journey would have been far more difficult. Your unfailing commitment to duty has seen us through the challenges and I am confident that here again, through your incessant efforts, we can get through this.
My friends, for 3 decades and more, I have served the people of Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique, There have been good times and bad, but no period has ever been this challenging for me. I am thankful for the strength of my support team, without whom, our country’s success and development gains would not be possible. It is my duty to lead this country, one which I take very seriously, but leadership isn’t always about being out front, leadership is also about empowering those around you and building capacity. I know that I am only as good as the strength of my team and this team is prepared to work in collaboration with all of Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique to get us through this crisis. We are doing our part and we are counting on you to do yours.
Sisters and brothers, let us continue to be safe, protect yourselves, protect each other.
I thank you.
Please Grenada, get vaccinated.
The pope can call for what he wants. But he does not given this world. God who is the head and still sits on His throne. He has not asked man to speak on his behalf.. He alone speaks for himself. It is better to obey God rather than man.
My God there’s some frightening rubbish being posted here. Antivaxer comments when it’s finally got into the community? Really? What are you going to do if you’re next, wash your hands and hope? Vaccines have saved many lives, don’t let an antivaxxer take yours. Get the shot while you still can.
This is a bigger picture than you can ever imagine. Not just about the vaccination and lives saved.
There is only one that can save lives. His name is Jesus
Man still has free will choice.
Grenadians, at home and abroad, let not your hearts be troubled by what is being perpetuated.
The unsuspecting among us may not have seen this new development coming, but the wise man who listened to the messages should not be surprised.
We were told and warned in no uncertain terms, that “Grenadians will die from CoViD 19″and that “CoViD 19 will have its day in Grenada again.”
The recently announced amendments are all geared at scaring the populace with the intention to utilize the new shipment of vaccines.
A word to the wise is sufficient.
truth!!!do your research and make your own decision…lies…most infected in the US are the vaxxed…
Something had to be done as some of our citizens were not able to contain themselves when it was expected.
The world health organisation are watching those countries who do not comply with their policies.
The money received by each country as a stimulus package has conditions which must be seen as an active or conscious effort to show that you are doing what is expected of you.
The government are supposed to be in control therefore this message was and is part of the protocol .
Let us see if there will be noticable changes in the next two weeks and wait for the next move.
No doubt I am probably wasting my time here because Now Grenada will again censor me and others as usual. But people need to have the full objective information and not just endless Government propaganda.
Keith Mitchell…..blah blah blah, for God sake……. its August 21st 2021 and not March 2020.
How much more real world data do these Political genius need, in order to make an Intelligent decision?
SarsCov2 is not a Pandemic its is Endemic. That means SarsCov2 is here for good and is part of the seasonal ebb and flow of life and death and diseases.
Sealing yourself away from the Virus like idiot politicians in Australia and New Zealand are foolishly attempting doing, while trying to gain so called Herd Immunity is plain stupid. How many years are they going to keep doing this madness?
Herd Immunity is achieved naturally by going about your every day life including yes …..parties and getting infected and building Holistic Antibodies Naturally.
Why do these Political fools and tyrants in White coats insist that Antibodies can only ever come from injecting Experimental drugs?
Especially when Natural Immunity is now proven superior to manmade mRNA drugs that were injected over eight months from the latest CDC data. Why has that been hushed up?
Look at the latest real objective data from Norway and Sweden, for May June and July, the IFR for CV19 is not the original claimed 3% by WHO, and not the revised 0.14% by the CDC, but from the latest Norwegian Medical data….. 0.05%.
Yes CV19 is half as fatal as the endemic Influenza.
I will repeat that for braindead politicians and Medical bureaucrat, the IFR for CV19 in August 2021 from Nowegian data is 0.05% or half that for Influenza
So do the right thing…. protect the sick and old and let the rest get on with living their daily lives with all the risks that they accept as part of normal life.
But of course that wont happen ……got to keep that Covid scam going, while trampling Freedom, and grabbing Money and Power.
Check the link below if you seek knowledge……
https://greatgameindia.com/covid-over-in-norway/
preach!!!
Good speech. And even if you disagree with this government on everything else you should take heed of this.
Don’t listen to ill informed social media rubbish. When you are ill you don’t go to social media do you. You go an educated and trained scientist. Well listen to what they have to say.
Almost 5 billion vaccine shots have been given globally: https://www.bloomberg.com/graphics/covid-vaccine-tracker-global-distribution/
Israel was first to show that vaccines were bending the curve of Covid infections. The country led the world in early vaccinations, and by February more than 84% of people ages 70 and older had received two doses. Covid cases declined rapidly, and a similar pattern of vaccination and recovery was repeated across dozens of other countries.
This progress is under threat. New strains, led by the highly transmissible delta variant, have caused renewed outbreaks. It’s now a life-and-death contest between vaccine and virus. Unvaccinated people are more at risk than ever, leading U.S. health officials to dub it a “pandemic of the unvaccinated.”
Even among those who are vaccinated, the delta variant may lead to mild cases, and those who get sick are able to spread the disease to others, according to the latest data. The vaccines remain effective at preventing hospitalization and death.
So the vaccines aren’t perfect but they make a huge difference. The US and European press is now full of reports of patients on their last breath asking their hospital for vaccination to which the reply has to be “sorry, too late to help you now”.
Get vaxxed! Do it for the team!
Let’s just say…don’t believe everything you read in the press! Especially those from UK, Europe and US.
Hygiene is the key to all this problem, and good dose common sense.