NIA CHARLESTOWN NEVIS (March 11, 2021) – – The Ministry of Health in the Nevis Island Administration (NIA) has received a grant from the Government of Japan to acquire a PCR machine so that testing for COVID-19 and other infectious diseases can be done at the Alexandra Hospital laboratory.
During a virtual signing ceremony for the Project for the improvement of medical equipment in Nevis on March 11, 2021, Premier Hon. Mark Brantley, Senior Minister of Health in the NIA and Minister of Foreign Affairs for St. Kitts and Nevis, recorded his appreciation to His Excellency Tatsuo Hirayama, Ambassador of Japan to St. Kitts and Nevis, as well as the Government and people of Japan for the timely grant.
“Testing as you know is part of the critical response to COVID-19 and… it has proven very expensive and very time-consuming.
“For Nevis to continue to have send tests to St. Kitts or sometimes farther overseas in order to get results which sometimes takes from 24 hours to a few days…there really is an inherent danger of having to wait too long to be able to access testing results.
“And so this donation is timely; this donation will move us forward in a significant way on the island of Nevis to offer testing which is rapid and which can allow our people to know what their status is at a much earlier stage, and therefore help us in the health community to treat, to isolate where necessary, and so prevent the dreaded community spread,” he said.
“As we continue to fight the COVID-19 pandemic, I must assure you that this bit of equipment will greatly improve our testing capacity here on Nevis.
“I am told that our monthly testing bill ranges from $17,000 up to $22,000…and so you see the addition of this very timely gift will not only enhance our testing capacity, but it also lessens our financial burden.
“I want to say how grateful we are as a government, how grateful we are as a people for your continued support,” she said.
Ms. Shelisa Martin Clarke, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health and Gender Affairs in the NIA, explained that the procurement of a PCR machine translates into an increase in the services offered to the Nevisian public at the Alexandra Hospital laboratory.
“It would be a great investment for the lab staff as well as the people of Nevis in that it can further be utilized for other tests such as HIV viral loads and Tuberculosis, both of which are sent overseas for analysis,” she said.
Also present at the ceremony held at the Alexandra Hospital were Dr. Judy Nisbett, Chief Mecical Officer; Mr. Gary Pemberton, Public Health Administrator at the Alexandra Hospital and several other senior hospital employees.
]]>IA CHARLESTOWN NEVIS (March 08, 2021) — The following is an address by Hon. Hazel Brandy Williams, Junior Minister of Health and Gender Affairs in the Nevis Island Administration (NIA) on the occasion of International Women’s Day 2021 observed on March 08.
As Minister of Gender Affairs in the Nevis Island Administration, and as a woman myself, I look forward each year with pride and great anticipation to the month of March, as March 8th is celebrated around the globe as International Women’s Day: a day marked especially to laude and herald the achievements of women, internationally, regionally, and locally; across every level of society and in all sectors of community development.
The United Nation’s theme for International Women’s Day 2021 is, “Women in Leadership: Achieving an Equal Future in a COVID-19 World.” Strikingly, this theme not only highlights our responsibility to the wellbeing and security of women and girls throughout the extent of this pandemic, but it underscores the crucial role that women and girls must be allowed to play in wholistic contributing solutions to this international problem.
The Department of Gender Affairs has grown over the years to celebrate International Women’s Day with various engaging and highly anticipated activities throughout the month of March. However, as we live currently in a COVID-19 world, this year’s activities will, necessarily, be scaled back yet we will endeavour to have them equally as effective in spreading the message of equality as we have done in the past.
One of the highlights of this year’s celebrations will be the awarding of women who have been on the front-line of our country’s fight against COVID-19: nurses, police officers, supermarket attendants, hotel employees, bankers, response team volunteers, and others. We are eager to recognize their selflessness as they courageously did their part in keeping us safe.
The truth is, that while great strides have been made over the years as it relates to women empowerment, there is still quite a way to go before we realize true gender equality. The pandemic has highlighted this as it has been said that many international decision-making bodies charged with countering the coronavirus had little to no female representation. I am most pleased to say that in St. Kitts and Nevis we suffered no such plight.
Being ahead of the international scene in this regard, our federal and local COVID-19 task forces benefited from the commendable leadership and insights of women such as Dr. Hazel Laws and Dr. Judy Nisbett, respectively.
When women are afforded an equal opportunity to contribute to every sphere of society no one gets left behind.
To all our men I say, as we mark International Women’s Day do your part in supporting women in leadership, speak out against Gender-based violence, celebrate those women around you and encourage your daughters to dream big and to achieve more. We are in this together so both men and women must play their part.
As we consider women and leadership, we must not think of it as an endeavour for women to ‘take over’, but as a bid for women to lead, alongside our male counterparts, thus making valuable contributions by way of our unique perspectives, insights and skillsets.
I feel it important for me to also point out that women, just as in the case of men, women, should seek to be leaders for the right reason – to serve others. Not for fame, or power or self-aggrandizement but to serve others. This is the only way we will be able to impact lives for the better and help our nation, communities and families.
I wish to say to each woman and girl that there is not only a leader in you but there is a leader in you that the world is waiting on. However, the only way for you to grow into a leader that positively impacts the world and unlock the hidden leaders in others is to begin cultivating leadership qualities such as honesty, selflessness, dependability, and respect.
It would have been these same qualities that propelled to prominence outstanding regional leaders such as Dame Mary Eugenia Charles, female Prime Minister of Dominica, who stood head and shoulder among her male counterparts making solid and lasting decisions at a time when female leadership at that level was even more scarce than today.
Here in St. Kitts and Nevis we have had trail blazers such as Dame Constance Mitcham, first female Member of Parliament (MP); and Jacinth Henry-Martin, MP and diplomat, as well as Nurse Gene Harris; and Nurse Patsy Hanley pioneering the way right here on Nevis.
But leadership need not be thought of as merely political. The contributions of women in every sphere of our nation’s life is crucial for our collective success. Many of us have witnessed other outstanding woman community leaders such as Mrs. Olvis Dyer, female generals of faith such as the Rev. Eunice Griffin, outstanding farmers such as Emontine Liburd and sporting champions such as Mrs. Jeanette Grell-Hull. This International Women’s Day we honour and salute them and the thousands of women who lead us, at home, at school, at the market, in business or on the street corner, into greater heights of success and well-being.
This International Women’s Day let us remember that women, realizing their full potential is key to the overall development and recovery of our society and our beloved country where peace abounds.
We encourage, recognize and celebrate women and girls as they take their place and leave their mark as trailblazers. Happy International Women’s day 2021!
]]>NIA CHARLESTOWN NEVIS (February 22, 2021) – Hon. Mark Brantley, Premier of Nevis, along with the other Cabinet Ministers of the Nevis Island Administration (NIA) became the first persons on Nevis to receive the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines on February 24, 2021.
The Premier, Ministers Hon. Alexis Jeffers, Deputy Premier, Hon. Eric Evelyn, Hon. Spencer Brand, Hon. Troy Liburd, Hon. Hazel Brandy Williams, and Cabinet colleagues received their first dose of the vaccine at the Charlestown Health Centre, Nevis.
Mr. Brantley, Senior Minister of Health in the NIA, said his Cabinet is leading by example to demonstrate to the Nevisian public that getting vaccinated against the virus is safe and highly recommended if Nevis is to achieve herd immunity.
“Today is a very historic day for us because the entire Cabinet, led by myself as Premier, and certain healthcare and frontline line workers, we all took the step of getting vaccinated against COVID-19.
“The Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine is what we have and we have demonstrated that it is safe and it is the only way to get our people past this COVID-19 pandemic.
“I’m delighted that all of our Cabinet colleagues have come out to lead by example and to show the population there is absolutely no risk,” he said.
The Premier continued, “Certainly we look forward to the rest of the population getting vaccinated. We know that nobody is safe until everybody is safe, so we encourage one and all to go out and get vaccinated. Let’s fight this COVID-19 together and keep Nevis and the Federation safe.”
Hon. Hazel Brandy Williams, Minister of Health in the NIA, informed that the jab was quick and virtually painless. She encouraged the populace to make appointments at their nearest health centre to get vaccinated as soon as possible.
Several senior health professionals including Dr. Judy Nisbett, Medical Officer of Health in the NIA Ministry of Health and Chair of Nevis’ COVID-19 Task Force, and Chandreka Persaud-Wallace, Matron-designate of the Alexandra Hospital also took their first dose of the vaccine on Wednesday.
The government of St. Kitts and Nevis launched its national vaccination program on Monday, February 22, 2021 from its first batch of two thousand (2000) doses of Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccines, courtesy of the Government of the Commonwealth of Dominica.
Wednesday’s vaccinations signaled the roll out of the NIA’s program on Nevis. Frontline workers and at risk persons are among the first wave of persons that will be receiving the COVID-19 vaccines.
]]>NIA CHARLESTOWN NEVIS (February 23, 2021) — Twenty health professionals on Nevis received World Health Organization (WHO) certification for participating in a training exercise “COVID-19 Vaccination Training for Health Care Workers” at the Disaster Management Department’s (NDMD) conference room on February 19, 2021.
Dr. Judy Nisbett, Chair of the Nevis COVID-19 Task Force told the Department of Information that the training will serve as a refresher course to administer the AstraZeneca-Oxford vaccine on Nevis.
“We are going to be doing a refresher course on vaccination, vaccination in general covering topics such as record keeping, the cool chain for example which involves keeping the vaccines cool throughout their journey from central stores to regional stores and eventually to the client so that their efficacy can be maintained.
“We will also be looking…at the AstraZeneca[-Oxford] vaccine, and all of this is in an effort to roll out the AstraZeneca vaccine in the population… So we have brought the health care workers together so that they can be more prepared for this roll out of the vaccination,” she said.
The participants were nurses, doctors, and some health care workers from the community health unit. Dr. Nisbett stated that the training session would not be the only one however, as the roll out commences and continues other health care workers would receive training to ensure a smooth roll out of the vaccination programme in the fight against COVID-19.
When the vaccination process commences, it will be available to the public at health centers throughout the island.
Dr. Nisbett, who is also the Medical Officer of Health in the Nevis Island Administration (NIA) used the opportunity to urge Nevisians and residents to get vaccinated to keep Nevis safe.
“I want to implore persons to take the vaccine. It will protect you from severe COVID-19 and keep our country safe. Our country has to be safe in order for the economy to get going again. So I implore persons to take the vaccine and to ensure that our country is covered and safe,” she said.
]]>NIA CHARLESTOWN NEVIS (December 14, 2020) — The Ministry of Health in the Nevis Island Administration (NIA) has been gifted a brand new vehicle from the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO).
At a virtual handing over ceremony on December 11, 2020, Ms. Shelisa Martin-Clarke, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health described the Toyota Rush SUV as a significant contribution to the critical operations of the Ministry.
“One of the key challenges we have, more specifically as it relates to public health surveillance, is transportation. Transportation is a supportive service in the delivery of health care and the lack of transportation can impact how, who, when, and where we provide those services.
“Transportation is also a critical part of our officers’ daily work routines. This became even more apparent with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic here in country when we were forced to either rent vehicles or borrow vehicles from other departments for use in our surveillance activities.
“Through the handing over of this vehicle the Ministry will be able to support the public health team, particularly in the area of contact tracing and vector control,” she said.
Ms. Martin-Clarke extended thanks to PAHO on behalf of the Ministry of Health and by extension, the government and people of Nevis.
“We are indeed grateful to the Pan American Health Organization for purchasing this much-needed vehicle… PAHO continues to partner with the Ministry and continues to support initiatives that aim to improve the lives of our people,” she said.
Dr. Yitades Gebre, PAHO/World Health Organization (WHO) Representative to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, noted that since January 2020 the Pan American Health Organization has been engaging with St. Kitts and Nevis to determine the level of preparedness and provide training for healthcare and other frontline workers for COVID-19.
He said in preparation for the management of COVID-19, the NIA had included a vehicle as part of the list of needed supplies and equipment to strengthen the capacity of surveillance officers.
Dr. Yitades said he was pleased to be part of the hand over process of the vehicle to the Ministry of Health in Nevis, which is intended to compliment the local resources being expended on the management of the virus.
He also pledged that PAHO would continue to work hand in hand with the Ministry of Health.
Also present at the ceremony were Hon. Hazel Brandy-Williams, Junior Minister of Health and Dr. Judy Nisbett, Medical Officer of Health, and Chair of the Nevis COVID-19 Task Force.
]]>NIA CHARLESTOWN NEVIS November 03, 2020 (Nevis Island Administration) — Dr. Judy Nisbett, Chair of the Nevis COVID-19 Task Force who is also the Medical Officer of Health on the island, has confirmed reports of a number of cases of fish poisoning treated at the Alexandra Hospital.
She was at the time responding to a question at the Nevis COVID-19 Emergency Operations Centre Briefing at Long Point on November 02, 2020, inquiring of possible cases of fish positioning on Nevis due to a number of cases reported on St. Kitts.
“We have had confirmed cases of fish poisoning reported from the Alexandra Hospital, however, it’s not a large number of reports. We have had five for last week.
“What we are doing now is to determine what’s the cause, if there is a link to any particular source and once we have done that investigation, then we will be able to say for sure if there is a particular site that fishermen, for example, should not fish,” she said.
Meantime, the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Marine Resources in St. Kitts in a press statement issued on November 02, 2020 stated that the Department of Fisheries and Marine Resources is currently investigating reports of fish poisoning in St. Kitts, particularly at the Basseterre Fisheries Complex, and as a result had suspended its Fresh Fish Programme until the source of the alleged poisoning is discovered.
“The Department is taking the necessary steps to ensure food safety and in so doing is examining its current stock of fish at the Basseterre Fisheries Complex that was being offered for sale. Additional measures to address these reports include the removal of all fish from the complex and the sanitizing of the complex. The investigations are continuing with the assistance of the Bureau of Standards.
All protocols are being reviewed with an effort to identifying and mitigating any public health threats. The Department wishes to advise all concerned that if an illness is suspected related to fish poisoning, medical care should be sought immediately and public health authorities should be notified,” the statement said.
]]>NIA CHARLESTOWN NEVIS (November 03, 2020) — Two hundred and six Nevisians continue receiving care from the Nevis Eye Care Programme at the Alexandra Hospital, through a Telemedicine Clinic which was introduced to ensure that patients got essential eye care in spite of the travel challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Hon. Mark. Brantley, Premier of Nevis who is also the Minister of Health, made the disclosure at his recent monthly press conference which was held in Cabinet Room at Pinney’s Estate.
“The eye care programme in Nevis is now world renowned. Doctors come here, specialists come here twice a year normally to deliver state-of-the-art eye care to the people of Nevis and the wider Federation because many from St. Kitts are now accessing eye care in Nevis.
“Sadly, they were unable to travel this year to come to us but they were able to deliver, through telemedicine care, to some 206 persons, and those 206 persons were checked, their vision, interocular pressure and they performed something they called optical coherence tomography (OCT) scan. Results were sent to the team in the United States via a secure platform that could only be accessed by the doctors there and the nurses, and assessments were made and care was provided. So even though they couldn’t travel we were still able to provide care for some 206 persons,” he said.
Nurse Jenevie Daniel, a retired nurse who has been with the eye care programme since its inception in 1996, in an invited comment on November 02, 2020, described the new clinic as a success one.
“During the former physical bi-annual eye clinics, patients from St. Kitts were also attending. The Telemedicine Clinic covered a total of 206 patients who were all Nevisians.
“To date, the programme is going quite well considering that it’s a pilot project. It was readily accepted by the patients. However, the most challenging aspect was the technology. Success was achieved by communication with Dr. Hubbe and through strong team work. I could not ask for a better team of nurses,” she said.
Nurse Daniel who has been recalled to assist in the eye care programme, at one point in her career headed the eye care clinic. She explained that Dr. Raymond Hubbe, the ophthalmologist in charge of the Nevis Eye Care Programme, brought up the idea of the Eye Care Telemedicine Services, following which Zoom meetings ensued.
The stakeholders who attended included Dr. Judy Nisbett, Medical Officer of Health; Mrs. Eren Hanley, Health Services Administrator; Ms. Ermine Jeffers, Coordinator of Community Nursing Services; and Eye Care Clinic nursing staff.
“The discussions involved the programme, and the programme was to facilitate some patients who were scheduled for the April/May 2020 session, and these patients had to fit the criteria that was specified by Dr. Hubbe.
“Information on past and current visits as well as images of previous OCT scans were inclusive for patients’ data. How to handle information going back and forth which involved the IT team was also discussed. Provision of consent forms and this gave the nurses the permission to send the patient’s medical records via e-services to the ophthalmologists in the US,” Nurse Daniel explained while addressing the some of the steps taken to execute the clinic.
“We had to prepare for the clinical sessions, so in preparation for this the names, the addresses and telephone numbers were selected for those patients who were to be seen during the designated period. Each patient was called, the telemedicine procedure was explained and then given a date and time to attend. The assessment of patients started on August 31, 2020, and spanned a three-week period,” she added.
The nursing staff, made up of nurses Lenore Pemberton, Donna Hill, and Daniel, conducted the examinations and collected the necessary information to send off island via the internet for diagnosis and the course of treatment.
“Based on clinical findings and the interpretation of the OCT scans, patients with priority needs were among the first batch to be sent to Dr. Hubbe and his team of specialists.
“After the online files of patients who were assessed by the doctors, reports and prescriptions for follow-up medications were returned to the nurses. Each patient was contacted via the telephone. His/her report was discussed and then asked to collect his prescription at the eye clinic. The programme is currently into this phase, that is reporting to patients and picking up prescriptions,” she said.
The Nevis Eye Care Program (NECP) is a program of Vision for All Inc., a non-profit public health organization dedicated to preventing blindness and restoring sight to underserved populations worldwide. The Nevis Eye Care Program works in partnership with the Ministry of Health and especially with the Nevis Public Health Nurses.
]]>NIA CHARLESTOWN NEVIS October 13, 2020 (Nevis Island Administration) – The Ministry of Health and the Nevis Tourism Authority on October 13, 2020, launched a joint health and tourism campaign “#Today4Tomorrow,” ahead of the October 31, 2020 border reopening.
The campaign, geared towards educating all stakeholders on health and safety protocols to curb the transmission of COVID-19 as the island prepares to welcome the return of international travellers, promotes two messages – “A safe Nevis depends on you” and “Responsible travel creates healthy destinations.”
Hon. Mark Brantley, Premier of Nevis and Minister of Tourism who is also the Minister of Health, described the campaign as an important initiative meant to sensitise persons residing on Nevis as well as visitors to the island, when the borders reopen.
“I am abashedly thankful that the borders are reopening. COVID, however, in addition to the tremendous economic crisis that it has created, started out and continues to be a health crisis as well, and so we have the added task of ensuring that we are not only opening, but we are reopening responsibly, and we have an obligation as government to our people, those living here and to our visitors, those we hope will come, to ensure that everyone remains safe.
“And that is why this collaboration we are seeing his morning between the Nevis Tourism Authority, the Ministry of Tourism and the Ministry of Health is so absolutely critical, because it means that we have a cross-ministerial approach to reopening our borders, and a cross-ministerial approach to ensuring, that moving forward we are focused on keeping our people at home safe, and also creating a safe destination for those that will come to visit,” he said.
Ms. Jadine Yarde, Chief Executive Officer of the Nevis Tourism Authority, said it is necessary to provide not only information but resources to prepare for the inevitable when the borders reopen in about two weeks.
“As we take steps towards reopening our borders, safety is the top priority. Now that we have confirmed the date for Phase 1 of reopening and we have begun implementation of our safety measures and protocols, we are ready and eager to welcome back visitors to our beautiful shores. We are currently re-educating the general public and we want to reassure visitors, residents and citizens that we are indeed ready,” she said.
The NTA chief executive officer explained the objective of the campaign to promote healthy practices before and after the borders reopen.
“The campaign provides two distinct sets of messaging. The first is, ‘A safe Nevis depends on you’ which reminds our citizens and residents to adhere to the non-pharmaceutical measures to keep them safe and to minimise the risk, and two, ‘Responsible travel creates healthy destinations’ which targets perspective travellers. Our hashtag through social media is #today4tomorrow, reminding us all that what we do today creates the framework for our future,” she said.
Ms. Yarde added that in the coming weeks the marketing campaign will come to life with the sole purpose of encouraging safe measures for everyone.
Dr. Judy Nisbett, Medical Officer of Health on Nevis, who stood in for Junior Minister of Health Hon. Hazel Brandy-Williams, said the reason for the joint approach to the campaign is to reassure nationals and visitors that the island of Nevis is ready to welcome back visitors to a safe Nevis.
“We treasure our people and the campaign has a secondary message targeting our nationals reminding them of the importance to practise the non-pharmaceutical measures that will protect themselves and our visitors. Therefore, it was easy to partner with the NTA in promoting the messages in this campaign,” she said.
Dr. Nisbett, who is also the Chair of the Nevis COVID-19 Task Force, stated that the Ministry of Health will continue efforts to ensure that the people of Nevis are well-prepared, and to protect visitors to the island.
“So on October 31, 2020, we are ready to welcome back all nationals home and also visitors to the shores of Nevis, lovely Nevis,” she said.
The campaign will see the erection of billboards and banners in strategic places around the island depicting the campaign messages.
Public service announcements featuring various local officials and personalities including Premier Brantley, Minister Brandy-Williams and Andrew “Hollywood” Nisbett, calypsonian and taxi operator, will be aired on television stations, social media, and radio stations across the federation.
]]>NIA CHARLESTOWN NEVIS October 09, 2020 (Nevis Island Administration) — With 10 percent of the global population affected by COVID-19, Dr. Judy Nisbett, Chair of the Nevis COVID-19 Task Force says Nevis is part of the majority of persons who are at risk worldwide, with only six confirmed cases of the virus.
Dr. Nisbett made the comment at the Nevis COVID-19 Emergency Operations Centre Briefing on October 05, 2020, at Long Point, while urging persons on Nevis to use the tools available to keep the island safe.
“We have the tools to keep us safe if we use them. These tools are the preventive measures that are at our disposal. We urge everyone to practise the preventive measures and keep Nevis safe. We are on the verge of opening our borders… There isn’t a vaccine yet, and when there is a vaccine, it is likely that the entire population of St. Kitts and Nevis will not be vaccinated right away, with the more vulnerable of our population being prioritised.
“The preventive tools of social distancing and physical distancing, including crowded areas, washing of hands correctly and frequently, wearing of face masks correctly, covering your nose and your mouth, cleaning high-touch areas often, sneeze and cough etiquette, keeping hands out of your face, staying at home if you are sick with a respiratory illness and call ahead before heading to your health care professional,” she said
Dr. Nisbett also reminded of the need for persons to be disciplined and to practise using the tools at hand to keep all on Nevis safe.
In response to a question raised regarding the use of masks for children, the Nevis COVID-19 Task Force Chair said it is unfortunate there are still school children in public places without masks on.
“It’s really unfortunate that there are children still walking around without masks because this is one of the measures that we have been speaking about for a very long time. We really have to encourage persons to get serious about this including the children.
“We know that children six and under are not required to wear the mask because they might not be able to manage, however, persons who are older than that, they are encouraged to wear the masks. With the opening of the borders this is even more important, and therefore we would have to strengthen our surveillance in that area, and work along with the police in ensuring that this happens,” she said.
According to Dr. Nisbett, persons between the ages of six and 11 should be wearing a mask if they are being supervised.
“If they are walking through town and are not supervised technically, we can’t really do anything about that but once they are in the company of an adult, we expect that they should be wearing their masks,” she said.
The borders of St. Kitts and Nevis are scheduled to reopen on October 31, 2020.
]]>NIA CHARLESTOWN NEVIS September 30, 2020 (Nevis Island Administration)– As of October 01, 2020, nationals and residents returning to Nevis who will be quarantined at the government-sanctioned facility at Potworks will have to pay a fee.
Dr. Judy Nisbett, Chair of the Nevis COVID-19 Task Force, made the announcement during her presentation at the Nevis COVID-19 Emergency Operations Centre Briefing at Long Point on September 28, 2020.
“Most if not all residents and citizens who are normally resident here and disadvantaged due to the closure of the borders have now returned. A decision has therefore been taken to start collecting a fee for quarantine for the use of Potworks Estates Apartments for quarantine.
“The fee is US$400 for the period of quarantine, and this is to be paid by all categories of applicants. This is in addition to the cost of the test that is taken at the end of the quarantine period or any test that is taken in the event that persons develop symptoms, for example, and this test costs EC$270 which is about US$100… Persons who are 12 years and under will be exempted from paying for the test but all other persons will be required to pay the fee for the test,” she said.
The Nevis COVID-19 Task Force Chair said since the borders opened to allow for the repatriation of persons who were stranded overseas by the closed borders in March, several persons had benefited from not having to pay fees at the official quarantine site at Potworks.
Since repatriation commenced, as of Monday, September 28, 2020, 185 persons had been repatriated over a 151-day period.
Persons seeking information regarding repatriation or those interested in home quarantine, can submit an email to covid19taskforce@niagov.com stating their query and they will receive a response.
In an invited response, Dr. Nisbett told the Department of Information on September 30, 2020, permission has been given to some applicants wishing to home quarantine.
“Around 20 persons have applied for home quarantine so far. The first set is due to arrive on Nevis on October 02.
“Basically, you have persons who want to be and can afford to be quarantined at home, and also we recognise there are citizens and residents who would prefer to stay in their own homes and can afford the cost associated with doing so. The cost includes private security for 24 hours a day for 14 days and there is an administrative fee of $250 per application,” she said.
]]>The following is a press release from Government House.
His Excellency The Governor-General Sir S W Tapley Seaton, GCMG,CVO,QC,JP,LL.D acting in accordance with the advice of the Prime Minister, Dr the Honourable Timothy Harris graciously approves the following National Awards to Citizens of the Federation of Saint Christopher and Nevis:
The Companion Of The Star Of Merit has been awarded to Dr Burnell Sylvester Nisbett in the field of Medicine, Mrs Viola Jacobs in the field of Education, Reverend James Rudolph Smithen for Religious Service, Mrs Gloria Estelle Browne for Education, Dr Hazel Oreta Laws for National Service in Crisis, Dr Cameron Wilkinson, CBE for National Service in Crisis, and Mr Abdias Samuel for National Service in Crisis.
The Medal Of Honour has been awarded to Mrs Pearline Theresa Mussenden for Education, Mr Joseph Emanuel Benders for the Arts, Dr A. Linton Liburd for Medicine, Mrs Patricia Mary Nurse-Clarke for Community Service, Mrs Pamela Elaine Brookes for Nursing, Mr Charles Delvin Mc Master for Community Service, Mr Brian Dyer for National Service in Crisis and Dr Judy Nisbett for National Service in Crisis.
The awards will be presented at an investiture ceremony at a later date
]]>NIA CHARLESTOWN NEVIS JULY 21, 2020 (Nevis Island Administration)– Dr. Judy Nisbett, Chair of the Nevis COVID-19 Task Force, is informing persons who plan to travel overseas from Nevis that there is process that must be followed before they are allowed to leave the island.
Speaking at the Nevis COVID-19 EOC Briefing on July 20, 2020, Dr. Nisbett said as more countries begin to open their borders, an increasing number of persons have been inquiring about what is needed if they are leaving the country.
She outlined the necessary steps, which could include taking a COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test.
“Most countries are now requiring incoming passengers to have a COVID-19 test done. To facilitate this, there’s a process where passengers who are leaving must email the COVID-19 Task Force at covid19taskforce@niagov.com Please submit this email at least a week before or more before you’re ready to leave.
“In this email, we would like you to provide evidence of approval from [Nevis Air and Sea Ports Authority] NASPA for departure. We also would like proof of a confirmed ticket for travel to your destination, also proof of the requirement of the COVID-19 test from the country of destination,” she informed.
Dr. Nisbett noted that not all countries are requiring the test but if the country one is traveling to requires it, proof of that must be provided.
The task force chair further explained that once the email is received, the passenger would receive notice that an appointment date has been scheduled to have the test done. COVID-19 PCR tests are done at the check point at the Alexandra Hospital at a cost of EC$400.
Dr. Nisbett told the Department of Information that the test results are usually ready within 24 hours.
St. Kitts and Nevis’ borders remain closed to commercial flights, however charter flights have been permitted on a controlled basis. The Federation has had a total of 17 confirmed COVID-19 cases; only two of those are presently active.
]]>Basseterre, St. Kitts, June 23rd, 2020 (ZIZ News): With the reduction of air quality across the federation due to the Saharan Dust, the question has been raised as to how persons can tell the difference between the symptoms of the dust and Coronavirus.
During the Nevis Covid19 Briefing on Monday, Chair of the Nevis Covid 19 Task Force Dr. Judy Nisbett outlined the symptoms associated with Covid 19 and the Sahara Dust.
“Persons who have allergies will develop symptoms such as trouble breathing, sneezing, swelling of the throat and the eyes, coughing, watery eyes, stuffy nose and those persons who are asthmatic would be prone to getting asthma attacks and asthmatic obstructive pulmonary disease would also be affected,” she said.
Dr. Nisbett further noted, “The symptoms of Covid would be some of the things that I have said such as runny nose and coughing but persons who are affected by Sahara Dust would not have fever, for example.”
Dr. Nisbett said while some of the symptoms are alike, with the accurate medical history given to medical professionals, the right diagnosis can be made.
“Some of the symptoms are similar yes and can be confused, but with a good history, and with the current conditions that we are experiencing, a good clinician should be able to differentiate between Covid19 and effects of Sahara Dust. So once a good history is given, a good examination, Covid can be ruled out or the effects of Sahara Dust, if that’s it, can be ruled out.”
Earlier this week the St. Kitts meteorological services indicated that the Caribbean region would be affected by a plume of Saharan Dust, as it makes its annual trek to the region from the desert.
It has been recommended that persons wear masks when going outside and persons with respiratory ailments minimize their outdoor activities.
]]>NIA CHARLESTOWN NEVIS June 10, 2020 (NIA) — Dr. Judy Nisbett, Chairman of the Nevis COVID-19 Task Force, urged Nevisians to take note and adhere to the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recently published updated guidelines on the production and use of fabric masks.
During her presentation at the Nevis COVID-19 Task Force briefing on June 08, 2020, Dr. Nisbett used the opportunity to enlighten the public on the recommended methods of production, use and care of the fabric masks.
“WHO has advised that the cloth covering being made at home or by local manufacturers, be made ideally of a minimum of three layers, with an innermost layer (that is the layer that is touching the face) be made of cotton or a cotton blend. This is called a hydrophobic layer, meaning that this layer is absorbent and it will absorb the droplets coming from one’s nose and mouth.
“The outermost layer should be made of a hydrophobic material (that is a material that is repellent and repels droplets from other persons from penetrating through to your nose). Such materials are polyester, for example, or polypropylene [material used to manufacture sportswear and cold weather garments].
“The middle layer should be hydrophobic also and should preferably be polypropylene. This is appropriate because it has a tight weave which is great for filtration, and therefore a good barrier preventing droplets from leaving but offers breathability so that persons can breathe easily… If that material is not available a cotton layer could be used,” she explained.
Dr. Nisbett further advised that once constructed the fabric masks should be flat fold or have a duckbill shape and cover the nose, cheek and chin. It must be comfortable and held in place with little adjustment.
“Why we say it should be held in place with little adjustment is because we don’t want persons to be handling the outside of the mask, and keep handling it because the outside of the mask, you could appreciate, would have droplets from other persons, and it means that it’s dirty and every time you handle it you should actually be sanitizing your hand. So once it is comfortable and it sits there that is what we want,” she said.
Dr. Nisbett also stated that coating the masks with wax to repel water is not recommended since it would affect how well one could breathe in the mask.
The Nevis COVID-19 Task Force Chairman also underscored the importance of only one user per mask.
“Masks should be used by one person and not shared. Usually a mask can be worn for a day but if it gets wet because of the amount of speaking you have been doing, you need to remove that mask and use a clean one. So it’s advisable then to always have a spare mask with you,” she said.
Dr. Nisbett advised on the methods that should be applied to keep the fabric masks clean.
She stated that they should be frequently washed, preferably hand-washed in hot water or in a washing machine set on a gentle cycle to avoid the mask losing its shape which would result in rendering the mask useless.
Dr. Nisbett also urged persons to put on and remove the masks correctly and safely. That process was demonstrated in a short video which can is available on the WHO website.
If anyone needs further information regarding WHO recommendations for making masks, they can find these on the WHO website or can contact the Health EOC at 469-1423.
The Nevis COVID-19 Task Force Chairman reminded the public that the use of face masks for infection is for prevention and control in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and is used as a measure to limit the spread of the disease.
“We are aware that three groups of persons can spread infectious droplets.
“The first group is persons who have symptoms and are coughing and sneezing. These persons should be at home and they should seek medical care, and these persons should actually be wearing medical masks.
“The other two groups that can spread infectious droplets are persons who are not yet symptomatic that is termed pre-symptomatic. They are in the incubation period and will later have symptoms, and then there are persons who are infected but will never get symptoms and that is they will always be asymptomatic.
“Now let’s look at the two last groups. They appear healthy. So the reasons we ask persons to wear masks is because we, any of us, can be pre-symptomatic, not yet showing symptoms; or asymptomatic, will never show symptoms; and unknowingly spread the virus to others. In other words we are protecting others from ourselves,” she said.
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