The Ministry of Health announced that today, Sunday, March 22, 2020, the first laboratory-confirmed case of COVID-19 in Grenada, was diagnosed.
The Ministry is now aggressively conducting contact tracing.
This is an imported case, and the patient is now in isolation to prevent the potential spread of the disease.
The patient is a 50-year-old female.
She arrived in Grenada from the United Kingdom on Monday, March 16. She became symptomatic on Tuesday, March 17, and was tested.
Health Minister, the Honourable Nickolas Steele, made the official announcement at an emergency Press Conference earlier today, (Sunday March 22, 2020)
“I want to reassure you that our very capable medical team has been actively following up and engaged in contact tracing, and is already moving to isolate and monitor several others, who were in close contact with the patient. This will continue for the next 14 days, at least. The patient is exhibiting mild symptoms, so we are encouraged, but not complacent.” Minister Steele said to the Media.
The Minister also stated that in keeping with standard protocol, the Ministry of Health has reported this confirmation of our first case to the World Health Organization (WHO), and Pan American Health Organization (PAHO).
As the State of Grenada continues to aggressively monitor its ports and implement additional stringent methods to further strengthen precautionary measures, the public is urged to follow the safety advice and guidance of the Ministry of Health, and practice proper hand, cough and sneeze hygiene, and maintain social distance of at least six feet.
The public is advised to report/inform the Ministry of Health or nearest health facility, of any possible or suspected persons displaying acute respiratory symptoms at this time.
