St Vincent and the Grenadines on Sunday confirmed 16 new COVID-19 cases, all of  which are  nationals with no history of recent travel.

“Five of the cases  were detected during contact tracing, testing of persons with flu-like symptoms and  general screening. Eleven cases were detected during exit screening,” a release from the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) said.  

There are now 358 local cases under investigation. Cases range in age from four to 87 years. Most cases are located  on mainland St. Vincent, with the highest numbers in the Pembroke Health District. 

One hundred and eighteen persons have recovered, 375 cases remain active and one person with COVID-19 has died. Four hundred and ninety-four cases of COVID-19 have been reported in St. Vincent  and the Grenadines so far.

All positive cases will continue to be isolated until cleared after 14 symptom free days and a negative PCR test result. This change  in the criteria for clearance is supported by guidance from the WHO.  

Persons who have been instructed to quarantine while awaiting their results, must  not leave their quarantine sites until their tests results have been received. Persons who fall in this category will be served with a Medical Officer’s order and granted  sick leave. Employers are advised not to encourage their employees to break their  quarantine orders.