Acting Chief Medical Officer Dr Shawn Charles confirmed on Wednesday that Grenada recorded its 24th laboratory confirmed case of COVID-19.
The latest case is a male over 60 years of age, who arrived on the Jet Blue flight from the USA on July 22 and has since been in quarantine.
“He is currently asymptomatic and doing well. The individual presented a negative PCR test before taking the flight. The possible scenarios that may explain this include infection of the individual after taking the PCR test and before travel, or intermittent shedding of viruses as a result of a previous infection; a phenomenon that has been observed worldwide,” Dr Charles stated.
Minister of Health Nicholas Steele, speaking in Parliament on Wednesday (July 29), said Grenada should expect at least one to three percent of visitors from high risk countries will prove positive for COVID-19. While confirming the one positive case from the Jet Blue flight, Minister Steele said Grenada needs to welcome returning nationals, while at the same time ensure we “safeguard ourselves.” Other results from the Jet Blue passengers proved negative.
“There will be cases but those cases will be in quarantine,” he said.
To date, Grenada has conducted more than 5,000 Rapid Tests, and 1,252 PCR Tests. However there are no deaths on record associated with COVID-19.
“Physical distancing must be our watchword. We must also wear our masks or appropriate face covering when out in public, and practice proper hygiene. Whether we are at work, or exercising, or shopping, or engaging in social activities, we need to ensure that we remain vigilant at all times. As the acting Chief Medical Officer, I am aware of how difficult these restrictions can be, but I am even more aware of how necessary they are in our fight to save lives. We have come a very long way, but the battle is far from over. In fact, we have been cautioned by the regional experts that this is likely just the beginning,” Dr Charles stated.
Dr Shawn Charles took up the post of Acting Chief Medical Officer from July 08 as Dr Francis Martin is now Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health.
