Covid-19 update Health authorities call for heightened vigilance amid rise in cases |20 August 2021
Dr Henriette (Photo: Jude Morel)
The number of Covid-19 cases and the weekly rolling-average has spiked over the past couple of weeks, leading the health authorities to once again iterate their call for individual and collective vigilance and responsibility, to curb transmission of Covid-19.
During a small update held yesterday afternoon at the Sheikh Khalifa Diagnostic Centre, Dr Meggy Louange, in her capacity as acting Public Health Commissioner, noted that the level of community transmission remains above the pre-surge level.
As such, the number of active cases stands at 639, significantly higher than the 400 to 500 range recorded over previous weeks.
“It has been over a year and a half since Covid-19 has been among us. We have all been happy over the last few weeks – after having had the surge when we saw an increase in the number of cases – that the cases were reducing. Our rolling average had reached 50, and just fewer than 50, but as of last week up to now, we are seeing a gradual increase, and our rolling average, meaning our number of cases, are continuously increasing. We observed this over last week, and it has continued through this week,” Dr Louange said.
“It is important for us to remind the public that the Covid-19 virus has not left, and it is still with us. We all know how cases are transmitted, so we are once again launching the plea that we have maintained over the year-and-a-half, for us to take our individual responsibility, within our families, at community level, between employees and employers and at all levels,” Dr Louange noted.
In relation to the active cases, Dr Louange noted that the authorities are aware of certain clusters in different areas, although it is not necessarily the clusters which are contributing to the rise in cases. As per the ministry, the majority of cases, specifically 611, are dispersed around Mahé, with 18 cases on Praslin and 10 on La Digue.
As per director of the Seychelles Hospital, Kenneth Henriette, 55 persons are receiving treatment at three facilities run by the ministry, some of whom are experiencing symptoms ranging from mild to severe. One person is in critical condition and in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), requiring ventilator assistance.
Despite a significant proportion of the population having received at least two doses of the Covid-19 combating jabs, the fact that they do not offer full protection should be a major factor in keeping persons encouraged to adhere to other public health and safety measures in place, as well as guidelines.
As such, the cumulative number of cases has reached 19390, with 18650 recovered persons. Up until yesterday, the death toll resulting from the virus was still 101.
Dr Louange noted that no additional measures will be imposed by the health authorities, placing the onus on individuals and the population to protect themselves and others from the virus.
“Now is the opportunity for us to heighten our guard, as we are observing that the cases are increasing, so we shouldn’t wait for it to shoot through the roof. Let us exercise vigilance and let us stop it from propagating further,” Dr Louange added.
Similarly, Dr Henriette asserted the need for all to wear their masks, sanitise often, and maintain social distancing, in addition to adhering to other public health and safety measures in place.
Laura Pillay
