Covid-19 update |05 January 2021
98 active cases in Seychelles
Seychelles has a total of 322 cases of Covid-19 to date out of which 223 have recovered, 98 are active (58 Seychellois and 39 foreigners) and one unfortunately passed away.
The figures, which also include two health care workers and 66 positive cases on Praslin, were given yesterday by the Public Health Commissioner, Dr Jude Gédéon, accompanied by the Health Care Agency chief executive, Dr Danny Louange, during a press conference.
The health officials started by presenting, on behalf of the Ministry of Health, their deepest condolences to the family members of Vincent Pillay, the 57-year-old man who succumbed to the disease on Sunday.
They noted that the medical staff have done their best to save the patient.
“He was quite ill and the staff are deeply affected by this death and we will keep doing our best to save lives, but this scenario is something we cannot shrug off. We can minimise such outcomes by obeying health guidelines,” noted Dr Gédéon. Once again a series of measures aimed at curbing the spread of the Covid-19 infection was announced.
Dr Louange said test results for three patients on Praslin and one suspected case on La Digue are being awaited.
“The cases among Seychellois are cases of local transmissions and we all have to be on our guard. We have cases in almost every district and people have to understand that the most important work at hand right now is to break the chain of transmission. We are anticipating that the situation will get worse before it gets better. The reason behind is that the patient who got admitted to the hospital was already sick and was able to pass on the virus to others before testing positive. So only now we will start seeing people manifesting the symptoms and the figures might escalate.”
As for the vaccine, Dr Gédéon noted that they have received more documentation on Sanoform. “It is a tool to help us break the transmission chain, BUT that does not mean we will see the effect immediately. It is only after three weeks that our system starts producing antibodies and after 28 days only the person can have the second dose. So already this will take three to six weeks, which means we need to continue with our precautionary measures. Rolling out the vaccination campaign, I would like to state that this is not a political pressure but rather a political support and we appreciate that!”
Regarding funeral services, Dr Gédéon urged the public not to attend funerals apart from close family members while observing all health protocols.
Quarantine
Dr Louange also gave an update on the quarantine facility. “At the Family Hospital (isolation centre) there are 14 positive cases and test results are being awaited. Two patients are in serious condition, others are in moderate and stable condition. At the Coastguard facility there are four positives cases and two awaiting results, all with mild symptoms. At the Avani Hotel, there are 95 people and at Ile du Swet there are 29 positive cases with mild or no symptoms.
“On Praslin there are six positive cases and three awaiting their test results. The contact tracing activity is ongoing and there is a high chance the numbers will increase. The measures have been published and we need people to respect them and abide strictly by them. Keep your distance. The President has asked people to wear their masks properly. We are echoing this message and cover your nose and mouth at all times when you are outside of your home. Stay safe and if you can, stay home,” concluded Dr Gédéon.
Vidya Gappy