Last Updated on June 12, 2021, 6:31 AM AST by Anthony Morris
Basseterre: The Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis recorded 36 additional positive COVID-19 cases, the total number of 155 confirmed cases so far, as the virus arrived on our shores at the end of March 2020.
The announcement was made by Prime Minister, Dr Timothy Harris, when he addressed the country on Friday, June 11, 2021, about the COVID-19 situation in St Kitts and Nevis.
“Yesterday, Thursday 10 June 2021, during an emergency meeting of the Federal Cabinet, the Chief Medical Officer, Dr Hazel Laws, informed us that the number of positive cases is still growing. It was reported that there were eleven (11) positive cases on Wednesday and that we recorded another twenty-five (25) positive cases on Thursday. This brings the total number of cases to 155, an increase of 111 cases in a few short weeks,” said Prime Minister Harris. “It simply came to our notice then. Our main priority in this fight against COVID-19 is and has always been to keep our people safe and we will do what is necessary to protect our people. Fortunately, 61 of these cases have been fully recovered, while 94 remain active, 4 of whom have been admitted to hospital, one of whom is very ill.”
Prime Minister Harris indicated that since the community spread on May 19, health officials have been working all the time to ensure the safety and security of all.
“Our Ministry of Health and the medical team consisting of nurses and doctors here in St. Kitts and Nevis, worked very hard to bring it under control. Our health professionals have worked tirelessly to combat this outbreak and have taken aggressive action to identify those who could be in contact through robust testing and diagnosis, quarantine and isolation procedures, with whom someone has come into contact or with whom was infected. , the disease,” said Dr Harris said. “But the virus is still spreading in our communities because the number of new cases has peaked and is continuing.”
As a result of the outbreak, St Kitts and Nevis introduced certain restrictions to limit the transmission of the virus, such as a limited curfew and regulations regarding public transportation.
“After a thorough evaluation of the situation on the ground, the cabinet agreed that we should restrict the movement of people to limit the movement of the virus. We will therefore place the country under lock-in on Saturday 12 June from 18:00. Fourteen (14) days until Saturday, June 26 in the first place. Under this exclusion, the cabinet decided that people should stay home for the next two weeks. There will be a daily curfew from 6pm to 5pm, Prime Minister Harris said.
Under the new restrictions, Prime Minister Harris said all essential businesses and offices may continue their business operations by having their employees work remotely from home using virtual means, unless the employees are allowed to work under a special exemption or as essential workers be designated. All persons working in the Civil Service, a statutory body, a state-owned enterprise or the courts shall work remotely from home, except as prescribed by the Secretary to the Cabinet.
He further added that all gaming establishments would be closed and that there would be no mass opportunities. Beaches should only be used for exercise during this period, no street sales for the next 14 days are allowed in the first place and only sold on the public market with controlled spaces where strict compliance with COVID-19 protocols must be adhered to. There will be no personal dining at restaurants and bars. However, removal and delivery are allowed.
Anthony Morris covers stories related to politics and regional developments. His in-depth reporting about governance and reforms makes him stand out in regional journalism, with a deep analysis of political trends and their impact on Caribbean communities.
