Basseterre, St. Kitts, June 26, 2021 (SKNIS): St. Kitts and Nevis’ Minister of Health, the Honourable Akilah Byron-Nisbett, expressed condolences to the families mourning the loss of their loved ones from COVID-19 while offering support and extending sincere wishes for all persons within the Federation who have been affected by the deadly virus.
“To those persons who have tested positive and are in quarantine, some in the hospital, we continue to hold you in our prayers,” the minister said at Wednesday’s (June 23) briefing of the National Emergency Operations Centre. “We know it’s very difficult. COVID-19 is not an easy, walkover type of disease.
“For some persons, it is difficulty breathing, it’s painful just to take one breath. For some persons, all of their muscles, everything hurts and so it is a lot to deal with. Not being able to be with loved ones and friends, not having the opportunity to have persons come and visit while you are at your lowest, but you have to be strong so that you can get healthy and overcome the coronavirus,” Honourable Byron-Nisbett stated.
“I know it can be difficult and challenging at this time, but continue to trust that God has it all in his hands, and continue to just lean on him for strength at this time,” she said.
All citizens, nationals, residents and visitors were strongly encouraged to actively fight the deadly disease by applying the established health-protective measures.
“We need you to continue to wear your facemask, keep your hands sanitized,” said Minister Byron-Nisbett. “We need you if you have a business to make sure you are checking on not just the persons who are coming in to access services, but also on your employees to make sure that they too are healthy and they are well when coming in to work and even when they are at work.”
Business managers were also reminded to sanitize high-touched surfaces frequently.
The minister quoted health officials and reiterated that the virus does not move unless persons move. As such, she encouraged persons to remain at home unless absolutely necessary in accordance with the current regulation.
“It’s not just about us as individuals, but it is about a whole group. Our family, loved ones, the community, the children who can’t be vaccinated, the elderly who can’t be vaccinated. We have to think about the whole group as we continue to fight this good fight,” Honourable Byron-Nisbett stated. “I am hopeful and positive that eventually and soon enough, we will get out of this. We will get through this.”
The Health Minister encouraged everyone eligible to get vaccinated as it is the best way to end the global pandemic.
At the close of business day on Friday, June 25, 2021, the Federation had 313 active cases with 112 recovered cases and three deaths.