COVID-19 in Antigua and Barbuda: One more succumbs to the viral disease

Antigua and Barbuda: SLBMC Medical Director – Dr Albert Duncan, on behalf of Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre (SLBMC), has updated the general public that a 49-year-old man lost his life to COVID-19 today around 12:20 am.

With this death, the total number of deaths reported in Antigua and Barbuda hikes to 50, according to the statistics.

Dr Duncan also expressed his sincere condolences to the family of the deceased and cited, “Our thoughts & condolences remain with the patient’s family and loved ones at this difficult time.”

The SLBMC Medical Director further urged the general public to strictly abide by the COVID-19 health protocols established by the Antiguan government, such as – wearing masks, maintaining a social distance, avoid going to large public gatherings, sanitizing frequently and follow the other measures so as to reduce the chances of transmission and defeat the contagious COVID-19 mutant that has disturbed the lives of people and its economy and hindered the growth of the island country.

Despite this, on behalf of SLBMC, he encouraged all the eligible residents to get their COVID-19 vaccine doses and encouraged eligible family members and friends to join them in getting the vaccine as soon as possible that will help the island nation in achieving the target of herd immunity and bring the life of people to normalcy.

The media has also been advised to respect the wishes of the family & the interests of staff at the hospital so as to avoid any disruption to operational services.

According to the statistics, so far, the island has reported a total of 2,297 confirmed cases of the COVID-19 virus. As of 10 September 2021, in total, 43,681 individuals have received their first jab of the vaccine, while around 35,709 individuals, that is 36.8 per cent of the total population, received their second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine and are now fully vaccinated.