Health minister: 15 covid-related deaths for 2024

HEALTH Minister Terrence Deyalsingh has confirmed that the local covid 19-related deaths for 2024 now stands at 15. This is an increase from the six deaths recorded for the period December 2023 to January 2024.

“Unfortunately, covid is still with us,” Deyalsingh said in an interview with TV6. He did not respond to calls or messages sent by the Newsday on Thursday on the same issue.

Over the past two to three months, he said the cases at the public hospitals have remained stable, numbering about 13.

The vulnerable continues to be the elderly with comorbidities and the unvaccinated, he said, pointing out that efforts are being made to get vaccines to these shores as soon as possible.

In response to concerns raised by former health minister Dr Tim Gopeesingh about an increase in cases post-Carnival and hospitalisations, Deyalsingh said there was no need to worry.

He said there were no pre- or post-Carnival surge reported by any of the regional health authorities as of Ash Wednesday.

“I would urge the public to ignore Dr Tim Gopeesingh. He is a stranger to facts. He is well known for being loose with facts.”

He said, “Three RHAs – Eastern, North West and North Central have reported no pre-Carnival or post-Carnival surge.

Strangely, he explained, the ERHA, North West and North Central saw a decline in the rate of admission for respiratory diseases.

Only the South West Regional Health Authority (SWRHA), he said, saw a 20 per cent increase in pre-Carnival cases related to asthma.

Staff was able to successfully stabilise and discharge these patients to continue treatment at their respective homes.

In addition, there were admissions to the SWRHA for pneumonia which required attention at the intensive care unit.

“So, the only RHA which saw an uptick was the SWRHA.”

He factored in the Saharan dust as a possible contributor to the increase, however, he said the ministry will have to do “some digging” to find out why the poor air quality caused by the Saharan dust did not affect the other regions.

As the country moves from the post-Carnival into the Lenten season, Deyalsingh observed that the air quality is much better, but he is still concerned about respiratory complications that could arise.

He suggested the wearing of masks and, for those who can, to stay indoors as much as humanly possible.

He also advised those who may experience distress to go to the health centres or accident and emergency department at the hospitals for treatment.