Covid-19 update |12 March 2021

38% of the targeted population vaccinated

As of yesterday, 38% (26,894) of the targeted population had taken their two doses of Sinopharm and Covishield vaccinations.

This was announced by the Public Health Commissioner, Dr Jude Gédéon, in the regular press meet held yesterday at the Sheikh Khalifa conference room. He was accompanied by the Health Care Agency chief executive, Dr Danny Louange.

According to the latest vaccination uptake, 60,439 people have taken their first dose of Sinopharm and Covishield vaccinations representing 86% of the targeted population and 26,894 people have completed their doses. So for now 61% of the total population have taken the first dose and 27% of the total population have been administered the two doses.

Dr Gedeon also noted that currently Seychelles has 247 active cases including 10 health care workers. There are currently no active cases on Praslin and La Digue. “It is unfortunate to note that Seychelles has recorded 16 deaths since March 2020 and a cumulative number of 3087 positive cases and 2824 recovered cases. Out of the numbers who have been reported 51.7% are women and 48.3% are men. We have been noting a downward trend of Covid cases and if we all follow the guidelines properly, we will be able to manage,” Dr Gedeon said.

As for the quarantine situation, Dr Louange stated that there are currently 22 patients at the Family Hospital at Perseverance.

“Fifteen of them have mild symptoms, four have moderate symptoms and there are three patients in the intensive care unit. It is important to share with the public that the three ICU patients have underlying health issues with chronic illness. We have observed that many of the people who are having severe symptoms already have underlying health issues. It is important for the individuals to control their chronic illnesses and also have a good lifestyle. People having issues with alcohol also suffer from this illness,” explained Dr Louange.

At Berjaya there are currently 34 people, 67 at Avani and four at the Coast Guard facility. On Praslin and La Digue there is no one in the quarantine facility.

“As we have more spaces in our isolation centres, we will isolate most of the positive patients, unless in rare cases where we will allow isolation at home. This will also help us reduce transmission in the community. Even the high risk contacts will be quarantined in one of our facilities,” noted Dr Louange.

Regarding the vaccination campaign both doctors noted that there are enough doses of Sinopharm and are urging the population to come forward and take their jab.

Reopening of businesses is going on smoothly, noted Dr Gédéon.

“So far, 90 grocery stores have been visited, 83 have been approved and seven have been closed. Three hundred and ninety-two (392) non-grocery stores have been visited, 383 approved and nine have been closed. Three restaurants have been visited and got approval to open for business, 16 spas have been visited and approved for business and 11 gyms got the green light to open.”

Once again, Dr Gédéon explained what is ‘herd immunity’. “Herd immunity is a term used to describe when enough people have protection – either from previous infection or vaccination – that it is unlikely a virus or bacteria can spread and cause disease. As a result, everyone within the community is protected even if some people don’t have any protection themselves. The percentage of people who need to have protection in order to achieve herd immunity varies by disease.”

He also talked about some facts and myths about Covid-19 vaccine.

Can a Covid-19 vaccine make me sick with Covid-19? No it does not give us the Covid-19.

After getting a Covid-19 vaccine, will I test positive for Covid-19 on a viral test? No.

If I have already had Covid-19 and recovered, do I still need to get vaccinated with a Covid-19 vaccine? Yes.

Will a Covid-19 vaccination protect me from getting sick with Covid-19? Yes.

Will a Covid-19 vaccine alter my DNA? No.

Is it safe for me to get a Covid-19 vaccine if I would like to have a baby one day? Yes it is.

Other subjects were touched where the two doctors reminded us about how it is our responsibility to keep safe. The Public Health Commissioner praised the Ministry of Education for its big effort to open the schools on Monday.

Vidya Gappy