Issue Date: July 10, 2020
Statement as delivered by the Minister on Radio Montserrat
Good morning and thank you for joining us for what is an important development.
The Ministry of Health and Social Services is today confirming its twelfth (12th) case of COVID-19 in Montserrat.
We received confirmation from the Caribbean Public Health Agency that one person’s test result returned positive for COVID-19. The individual was immediately placed in isolation and is being closely monitored. This person has been on island since March and the contact tracing process has begun.
We recognize that people are concerned. We understand and share these concerns and at this time, we wish to assure you that we are taking this very seriously and continuing all efforts to prevent community spread of the virus.
To date we have:
• Dispatched a health team to the residence of the person for assessment,
• Contact tracing is on-going to identify all possible exposed persons
We urge you to adhere to the risk mitigation measures and to take all necessary precautions against contracting COVID-19. The risk can be reduced by practicing frequent hand washing, covering the nose and mouth when coughing, or sneezing with a tissue or your flexed elbow, and avoiding close contact with people suffering from acute respiratory illnesses.
If you however develop symptoms; fever, cough and difficulty breathing, please seek medical care immediately by contacting the flu hotline on 496-9724.
The Government of Montserrat will continue to keep the public informed as we manage this public health challenge.
Thank you.