BASSETERRE,  St.Kitts (Saturday 4^th April 2020)-A female who fits in the age category of those at risk of getting COVID-19 has tested positive for the illness, bringing the present total number of cases in the Federation to 10 with three on Nevis and seven on St.Kitts.

Junior Minister of Health, Senator Wendy Phipps announced at today’s  live daily report that: “Today Saturday, April 4, 2020 St. Kitts and Nevis recorded one (1) additional case of COVID-19. This brings the total number of confirmed cases to 10. The patient is a 66 year-old female who is a citizen of St. Kitts and Nevis, and resident on Nevis. “

According to her, “The case appears to have been travel related, due to the patient’s contact with tourists from the UK and the USA who would have recently visited the Federation.”

She highlighted that now that confirmation of COVID-19 has been received, the patient is subjected to compulsory isolation in order to limit the likelihood of transmission to others.

Additionally, Phipps said the Ministry of Health on Nevis would have commenced tracing the contacts of this individual and these contacts would be subject to strict quarantine and testing.

“The Federal Ministry of Health again reminds our citizens and residents of our individual and collective responsibility to stop the spread of COVID-19 in our Nation by following the advice of the public health authorities regarding infection and prevention control (IPC). There should be strict observance of quarantine and isolation regulations by remaining at home if you are placed on home/self-quarantine, or in the place of isolation for the entire duration of the period,” the junior health officials commented.

BASSETERRE, St.Kitts (Thursday 2^nd April 2020)-A ninth COVID-19 case has been recorded in the Federation with that of a 51-year-old individual.

Junior Health Minister, Wendy Phipps announced at today’s daily media briefing that: “At 11:04 am today, Thursday, April 2, 2020 St. Kitts and Nevis recorded one (1) additional case of COVID-19. This brings the total number of confirmed cases to nine (9). The patient is a citizen of St. Kitts and Nevis, and resident on Nevis.”

She said now that confirmation of COVID-19 has been received the patient is subjected to compulsory isolation in order to limit the likelihood of transmission to others, and that the Ministry of Health on Nevis would begin tracing the contacts of this individual, and these contacts would be subject to strict quarantine and testing.

Phipps expressed that the Federal Ministry of Health again reminds citizens and residents of our individual and collective responsibility to stop the spread of COVID-19 in our Nation by following the advice of the public health authorities regarding infection and prevention control (IPC).

“There should be strict observance of quarantine and isolation regulations by remaining at home or in the place of quarantine or isolation as determined by our public health authorities.”

The Junior Minister of Health reminded the public that the Federal Ministry of Health remains the only official source of information on COVID-19 in the Nation. The public is further advised that all confirmed test results are sent directly to the Office of the Chief Medical Officer and not to any third parties. Feel free to call the COVID-19 Hotline #311 if you have questions and concerns.

BASSETERRE, St.Kitts (Friday 2^nd April 2020) – Family households are being encouraged to let only one member of the family to do the shopping during the coronavirus curfew days.

Prime Minister Dr. Timothy Harris, in his address to the nation yesterday (Thursday 2^nd April 2020), said persons stay at home except in special circumstances.

“You should stay at home except in special circumstances. Let me repeat – you should stay at home except in special circumstances. We realize that some people will be without food and necessary medicine and medical supplies, and on Friday and on the next day, Saturday, between the hours of 6:00am to 7:00pm, a limited or restricted curfew will allow persons to go to supermarkets and pharmacies, to restock on the necessities of life.”

He continued: “If you need to buy food or medicine, we encourage that only one member of a household leave the residence to do so; that you prepare a list of your food items and avoid unnecessary shopping and frequent visits to the supermarkets. As has been reported in a prior broadcast, there is adequate food available at this time and for the foreseeable future.”

Dr. Harris says those who live in rural areas are further encouraged to purchase your food items in your local community shops and therefore lessen any congestion that could take place if you were to travel to the city center.

“I urge those of you who must leave your homes to do your tasks and return to your homes in the quickest time possible. If you do have to go out, the Regulations require you to, and you must, practice social or physical distancing. You should maintain a physical distance of at least six feet (6 ft.) in or outside of any business place that you must visit. Everyone is encouraged to wear a face mask, which covers their nose and mouth.”

BASSETERRE, St.Kitts (Thursday 2^nd April 2020) – Under the current state of emergency measures already in place, the government of St.Kitts-Nevis is ordering all residents in the Federation to stay at home for a longer period with a combination of daily curfews and round another total lockdown expected to run for the next seven (7) days, starting tomorrow morning (Friday 3^rd April 2020).

“These Regulations will take effect on Friday morning, the 3rd April at 6:01am, when the current Regulations enacted on Tuesday expire. These new (COVID-19) Regulations will be the Emergency Powers (COVID-19) (No. 3) Regulations, SR&O No. 10 of 2020, and will run until Thursday, 9th April at 7:00pm when the Cabinet of Ministers will determine any new action to be taken. This will be based on, and informed by, the advice of the Chief Medical Officer, the Medical Chief of Staff of the JNF General Hospital, other Health Professional Experts, the leadership of the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) and the Security Forces.”

So said Prime Minister and Minister of National Security Dr. Timothy Harris when he addressed the nation informing that today he asked the Governor General to make further Emergency Powers (COVID-19) Regulations under the State of Emergency now existing in St. Kitts and Nevis.

He went on to indicate that on Friday, the Shelter in Place Regulations will remain in force.

“This means that, as we continue to use every effort to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus, or COVID-19, every person – I repeat, every person – shall remain confined to their place of residence, inclusive of their yard space, to avoid contact outside of their family.”

According to Dr. Harris: “A curfew remains in place from 7:00pm Friday night to 6:00am Saturday morning. On Saturday night, at 7:00pm, a full 24-hour curfew, a total lockdown, is reintroduced until Wednesday morning at 6:00am. This means a full 24-hour lockdown on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday, continuing until Wednesday (8th April) at 6:00am.”

 “The security personnel reported that this has been effective, as there has been little or no breach of the current Curfew Order. Where this has occurred, the offenders have been arrested and will be charged and prosecuted. Irresponsible behaviour will not be tolerated. 3 On Wednesday (8th April) and Thursday (9th April) next week, the Regulations will allow persons to leave their homes once more on a limited basis – I repeat, on a limited basis – to purchase any food and medicine between the hours of 6:00am and 7:00pm, while a curfew will be in place for Wednesday night from 7:00pm to 6:00am Thursday morning,” he added.

BASSETERRE, St.Kitts (Tuesday 31^st March 2020)-Individuals are being cautioned by the police to make sure that they are at home when the clock strikes 7PM tonight when the government’s 24-hour lockdown in tacking the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) officially begins.

“In order to stop the spread of the virus, it is important that we prevent/limit direct human to human contact. Persons are therefore asked to continue practicing social and physical distancing. Once the clock strikes 7 p.m. tonight, persons are expected to be in their homes until Friday, April 3^rd,” read a statement from the Police Public Relations.

“In reference to the previously issued announcement, we would like to make it clear that effective 7 p.m. today, March 31st a 24-hour curfew, that is a total lock down, will take effect until 6 a.m. on Friday, April 3rd. Once the curfew begins at 7 p.m. tonight, persons will not be allowed to leave their homes except for the security forces and other security personnel, the health care officers, technical emergency officers of utilities including telecoms, and media personnel, will be allowed out of their residences when they are on duty,” it was shared.

The local authorities further said: “In preparation for the lock down, persons are being asked to only leave their home if they absolutely have to do so to conduct any business necessary before 7 p.m., today, March 31, 2020. If you have to use an ATM, please utilise a machine in or closest to your area. If you have to buy groceries, you are being asked to do your shopping at establishments in your community or surrounding areas if possible. Remember, you will not be allowed to conduct any of these activities during the period of the lock down. Do not travel to Charlestown or Basseterre if you do not have to.”

BASSETERRE,  St.Kitts (Monday 30^th March 2020)-Less than 24 hours after the Federal Ministry of Health announced five (5) new cases of the coronavirus (COVID-19), one more positive test takes the overall count as of today to eight (8) cases, with the first recorded one on Nevis.

Junior Minister of Health, Wendy Phipps has revealed that: “On Monday, March 30, 2020 St. Kitts and Nevis recorded one (1) additional case of COVID-19. This brings the total number of confirmed cases to eight (8)…” and comes less than 24 hours after the Federal Ministry of Health would have announced five (5) cases on Sunday, March 29, 2020.”

She further disclosed that the patient is a 51 year-old female who is a citizen of St. Kitts and Nevis, and resident on Nevis. As with all other confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the Country, this case is also travel related, meaning that it was imported into the Federation – given the patient’s travel history from the United Kingdom on March 14, 2020. The Federal Ministry of Health wishes to advise the public that this patient would have been quarantined since arrival in the Federation. Now that confirmation of COVID-19 has been received the patient is subjected to compulsory isolation in order to limit the likelihood of transmission to others. The Ministry of Health on Nevis has already begun tracing the contacts of this individual and these contacts would be subject to strict quarantine and testing. The Federal Ministry of Health again reminds our citizens and residents of our individual and collective responsibility to stop the spread of COVID-19 in our Nation by following the advice of the public health authorities regarding infection and prevention control (IPC). There should be strict observance of quarantine regulations by remaining at home if you are placed on home/self-quarantine.

BASSETERRE, St.Kitts (Monday 30^th March 2020)-Having received police reports that some individuals are not staying at home during curfew hours for the state of emergency set two days ago, Prime Minister and Minister of National Security Dr. Timothy Harris today announced a 24-hour total lockdown system spanning some three days, effective tomorrow night (Tuesday 31^st March 2020).

“The Cabinet of Ministers has determined that, after consultation with the Police High Command, the National COVID-19 Working Group, the Chief Medical Officer and the Medical Chief of Staff of the JNF General Hospital, there be a 24-hour curfew, a total lockdown, from 7:00pm Tuesday 31^st March to 6:00am Friday 3^rd April in the first instance,” he explained during a live broadcast address to the nation.

He added: It means that the current regulations will be repealed and new regulations made in which no one, except the security forces and other security personnel, the health care officers, technical emergency officers of utilities including telecoms, and media personnel, will be allowed out of their residences.

Dr. Harris in his opening remarks stated: “My fellow citizens and residents, last Saturday, in an effort to further protect and keep you safe from the COVID-19 pandemic, His Excellency the Governor General proclaimed a State of Emergency in the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis. Under the Emergency Powers Act, my Government instituted Emergency Powers (COVID-19) Regulations, SR&O No. 7 of 2020.

According to him: “These Regulations were necessary to slow the transmission of the virus from one person to another, including reducing secondary infections among close contacts and health care workers.  As we interrupt human-to-human transmission, we can be more effective in identifying, isolating and caring for patients.  The sooner treatment can start, the better it will be for all of us.”

Dr. Harris added: “Despite a clear statement that all citizens must stay at home except in certain very limited situations, the Police High Command has reported that many persons have chosen to disobey these regulations.  Irresponsible behaviour will not be tolerated. Offenders will be promptly arrested and charged.” The Minister of National Security pointed out that individuals who break the lockdown will be prosecuted.

“We will not hesitate to prosecute those found in breach of the Emergency Powers (COVID-19) Regulations.  We are in a war and this war we must win.  Together we must be united with all of us doing our part to ensure our safety that of our families, communities and, by extension, our beloved Country.  This is not a time for reckless behaviour.  Sober, responsible behaviour is essential.”