An 88-year-old female and a 51-year-old male died today from COVID 19 Pneumonia, the third and fourth Vincentians to die from complications associated with the virus in less than two weeks.

A release from the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) said the 88-year-old and 51-year-old tested positive for COVID-19 on September 14 and 17, 2021  respectively.

“Both deceased persons were unvaccinated. Their deaths bring the death toll from COVID-19 to 16,” the release said. 

On September 9, a 41-year-old female succumbed to the virus, then on September 15, a 56-year-old female died. Both were unvaccinated.

“Fifteen (15) new COVID-19 positive cases were reported from 90 samples processed on  Sunday September 19, 2021, resulting in a positivity rate of 16.7 per cent. All cases are contacts of  positives or persons seeking care. 

“There are currently 19 patients admitted for COVID-19 at the Argyle Isolation Facility. Eighteen  are  unvaccinated and one patient is partially vaccinated.  

“No new recoveries were noted over the reporting period. Four hundred and eighty-eight (488) cases are currently active and sixteen (16) persons with COVID-19 have died. Two thousand eight  hundred and forty-five (2845) cases of COVID-19 and two thousand, three hundred and forty-one (2341) recoveries have been recorded in St. Vincent and the Grenadines since March 2020. 

“In view of the confirmed presence of the Delta, Mu and Gamma variants in the community and  the significant increase in the number of new infections, transmission, severe COVID-19 disease and deaths, strict enforcement and compliance with all protocols and recommendations by  everyone is strongly recommended. The correct and consistent use of masks, avoidance of crowds,  physical distancing, proper hand sanitizing and immunization with available vaccines have all been proven to significantly reduce the risk of being infected, getting sick and or dying from the  COVID-19 virus,” the release said.