ST GEORGE’S – Grenada’s Prime Minister Dr Keith Mitchell has urged nationals to be extremely careful during the Christmas Season, reminding them that the island still continues to record cases linked to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
“So far this week, the Ministry of Health has reported a total of 21 new cases, figures we have not seen in a while. This drives home the point that the threat of COVID-19 continues to exist,” Mitchell said in a nationwide television and radio broadcast on Thursday night.
“We have experienced the impact of a national shutdown and we are certainly not keen to have to resort to that again, therefore our actions over this festive season will determine what happens in our country in the next few weeks.”
Mitchell sad that while the Christmas season is usually very festive, complete with lots of socialising and indulgence, “however, I hasten to caution that we must not drop our guard; we must continue to maintain the recommended protocols which are intended to keep us all safe. It is imperative that we accept our personal responsibility.”
He said that the past two years have presented an unprecedented challenge for everyone and during the period August to October, “we were particularly hard hit, losing many of our loved ones.
“Thankfully, we have managed to put that period behind us and we look forward to 2022 with great anticipation. However, to realise those dreams, we must continue to protect the lives and livelihoods of all Grenadians.”
Prime Minister Mitchell said that many countries are still battling against the Delta variant of the pandemic, “but already, the latest variant, Omicron is surging across many cities, causing countries to ponder closure of their borders yet again.
“The world seems to be caught up in this perpetual cycle of opening up and shutting down as we try to find the right balance of measures that will best protect our people. The critical point is that fighting COVID-19 requires a collaborative effort that is firmly rooted in taking greater personal responsibility for our actions. Therefore, we must all do our part.”
Mitchell said that he has repeatedly spoken about the importance of vaccination and it is important to reiterate this message, commending those who are fully vaccinated, and encouraging people to take the booster shot.
“To those who have not opted for vaccination, I implore you to see the benefit of this, protect yourselves, protect your family and safeguard your livelihood,” Mitchell said, urging people to get tested against the virus.
“This week, the Ministry of Health embarked on an intensified testing drive. In addition to wearing your masks and maintaining the appropriate physical distance, knowing your status is important to determine your responsible course of action. Therefore, I encourage you to get tested and to get vaccinated, the life you save might be your own.”
Mitchell said that in the coming days, additional long-term testing and vaccination sites will be announced as the government seeks to make these services more accessible to people across the country and to improve our efficiency in the delivery of test results. (CMC)
