No reports regarding COVID-19 have been public since May 7th to May 13th, 2023. This has prompted inquiries on the potential absence of the COVID virus within the population.
Nevertheless, an observation of the streets of Kingstown indicates that a significant number people have resumed the practice of donning masks. This response is justified in light of the surge in visitors during the recent carnival festivities and the identification of a considerably mutated strain of COVID-19 known as BA.2.86. This variant has surfaced in numerous nations globally, including the United States, a key source of tourists for our country.
Although the health ministry appears to have ceased providing regular updates to the public, it was Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves who disclosed recently that COVID-19 is prevalent. Additionally, Gonsalves provided information of two fatalities resulting from the viral infection. According to Gonsalves, both persons were members of the same family.
It is evident that the duty for the mentioned tasks does not lie with Gonsalves. However, in light of the absence of individuals accountable for these tasks, one might discern the rationale behind Gonsalves’ decision to provide an update.
Despite the absence of regular visitors from the three US states in question, namely Michigan, Ohio, and Virginia, where the emergence of the new variation was identified, it is anticipated that increased vigilance will be exercised at the ports of entry.
Regarding the issue of monkey pox, St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) has enhanced its disease surveillance efforts in response to the global prevalence of this ailment, which has surpassed 80,000 reported cases worldwide. The St. Vincent Times has received information from multiple individuals regarding the purported presence of MPOX on the island.
On Wednesday, Cuthbert Knights, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, stated that he lacks firsthand knowledge on the existence of MPOX. However, he expressed his intention to conduct an investigation and provide a subsequent report to the publication. As of Friday, there was no communications received from P.S. Knights. Upon contacting the ministry, it was reported that he had been under the weather for the past two days.
On Friday, the St. Vincent Times attempted to contact the Public Health Department in order to obtain a statement from Medical Officer Dr. Roger Duncan. Unfortunately, these efforts were unsuccessful.
The St. Vincent Times expresses the expectation that the appropriate authorities will provide the public with updated information regarding the current statistics pertaining to COVID-19, as well as address the circulating speculations of MPOX on the island.
