WHAT'S ON

Cabinet at its last meeting announced the following:

Notes from Cabinet: Part 1
The Acting Chief Medical Officer provided information regarding the number of new cases today and yesterday numbered 58, taking the number of Active Cases to 222 patients suffering from COVID-19—one hundred and one male, and 121 females that range from 5 months to age 82 years. Of the 58 cases, 5 are fully vaccinated and 22 are not vaccinated, 31 pending investigation. Cluster investigations are taking place at the Royalton Hotel, The St. John’s Fire Station, Police Headquarters and one person tested positive at the Prison. There are 14 cases of infants as old as 11 years; 12 cases of 12 years to 17 years. 1333 recovered cases.

Presently 27 cases are hospitalized and 6 beds occupied at the Infectious Diseases Centre (IDC). The Covid ward has a total of 16 beds, 10 are now occupied. The IDC has 17 beds and 13 are occupied. The SLBMJMC has 39 beds and 72% of them are occupied in the Covid ward. 3 of the 12 to 17 years old were tested positive during the last two days. One child presently in the Emergency Room.

Notes from Cabinet: Part 2
In order to combat increases in the number of infected people several changes has been brought about beginning on Friday night, 27th of August lasting for two weeks.
    a). Curfew hours increase from 8pm to 5am.
    b). Gyms are closed effective Friday evening.
    c). Restaurants take out only.
    d). Summer camps close
    e). Churches 25 members only excluding the technical team and the clergy.
    f). Wakes and receptions are also limited to 25 individuals.
    g). Informal gatherings limited to 10 people.
    h). Bars are closed effective Friday evening.

There will be Police presence at the Public Market especially on the weekends to ensure COVID-19 protocols are maintained. The test match to be played will not allow for spectators. All local sporting games are cancelled.

Notes from Cabinet: Part 3
Officials from The Ministry of Education and the Teachers Union were invited to appear before Cabinet. Following intense discussions there was an agreement by the Cabinet to suspend the opening of Schools by one week until September the 13th to allow consultations between the Ministry, the Parents and to allow the union to consult with its membership. 62% of all teachers are fully vaccinated and the numbers are heading for 80%. There are almost 8000 students 12 years and older and the object is to have all of these students vaccinated before face to face school resumes. The Union informed that there is a large number of teachers measuring as much as 65% who are opposed to testing. The object is to ensure that 100% of Teachers are vaccinated, so that there can be no transmission of COVID-19 to any student. In some private schools 100% vaccinated teachers has been achieved.

The law provides that a safe working environment is to be pursued by the employer in this case the Schools is to be safe, for Teachers, Students and ancillary staff.