Two new deaths related to COVID-19

A 93-year-old woman and a 60-year-old man, both with comorbidities, are the latest people to succumb to coronavirus (COVID-19)

The woman passed away on February 18, at Enmore, after being admitted, first to the Accident and Emergency Department of the Queen Elizabeth Hospital on the February 17, and from there to Enmore.

This morning, the 60-year-old-man passed away at Harrison Point where he had been a patient for a month, with the last 18 days spent on a ventilator, according to a statement from the COVID Communications Unit (CCU).

“These deaths come amid Government’s national programme which has vaccinated over 11 000 people in less than a week. The Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine, which is being used in Barbados, has been deemed by the World Health Organisation  to be suitable for all populations and age groups,” according to the CCU.

Minister of Health and Wellness Jeffrey Bostic extended condolences to the families. He said that Government was doing everything possible “to contain, manage and significantly reduce incidents of COVID-19 infections in our country and to protect our frontline workers, persons with NCDs and seniors”.

“Once vaccinated, Barbadians would be protected from the most serious forms of the illness which result in hospitalisation and death. The vaccination programme is therefore a very important weapon in the national arsenal against COVID. It is also expected that the present period of pause and the restriction of movement this coming weekend will help to stop the spread of COVID-19.” (CCU)