St Vincent and the Grenadines now COVID-19 free

After two weeks from confirming its first case of the deadly coronavirus disease, St. Vincent and the Grenadines is to date, free of any COVID-19 cases.

Health Minister Luke Browne made the announcement yesterday.

In a video statement released, Brown said the island’s only confirmed coronavirus patient has now recovered. He added that the repeat COVID-19 test of the patient has yielded negative results.

The health also announced that as of Thursday night, 31 tests were done, and all test came back negative.

“We have now done 31 tests in all. All the results were negative including the test result of the patient who was recently transported in the Kingston Flu Clinic in an isolation chamber by individuals wearing protective gear.”

Continuing measures to prevent more cases of COVID-19

Despite being COVID-19 free to date, the government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines is no taking chances.

Strict measures are still in place to continue limiting the spread of COVID-19 on the island.

On the advice of the Commander of the Coast Guard Service, three ports of entry into the island, namely Union Island, Canouan, and Bequia are closed from March 27, 2020, until further notice.

The remaining ports of entry open for yachts are Kingstown, Wallilabou and Blue Lagoon. All crew are advised to immediately check in at immigration upon anchoring.

Meanwhile, all music permits (amplified in public or private places) have been cancelled on the island until further notice by the authority vested in the commissioner of police under Section 17 of the Noise Act – Laws of St Vincent and the Grenadines.

The public is still advised to follow social distancing guidelines that have been issued by the ministry of health and the environment.

Several major events like the Carnival 202 were cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.