BASSETERRE, ST. Kitts - THE Federation has recorded its first death from the Novel Coronavirus since the onset of the pandemic in 2020.
Confirmation of the death came from Minister of Health Akilah Byron-Nisbett, who explained that the person was ill for some time.
“At about 12:14 p.m. we received word that the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis has recorded its first death as a result of COVID-19,” the Minister announced.
It was reported on Wednesday evening (June 16) by Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Hazel Laws that there were 13 overall hospitalisations with the virus since the onset of the pandemic, and one person was “moderately ill”.
However, during the course of the following day, the individual took a turn for the worst and succumbed to the disease.
All of this comes against the backdrop of the Government encouraging individuals to get vaccinated, as the remaining doses of the Oxford-AstraZeneca Vaccine is about to expire.
There is a high prevalence of vaccine hesitancy on both St. Kitts and Nevis despite pleas from government and health officials.
Minister Byron-Nisbett emphasised that while they mourn the loss of a citizen, she is hopeful that the death would serve as a wake-up call for all as the number of COVID-19 cases continues to increase in the Federation.
Over the last 12 hours, the Ministry of Health informed that there were 28 new cases of the virus are sweeping through St. Kitts, which is the epicenter in the Federation.
Currently, the Federation is under a State of Emergency with a curfew in order to limit the spread of the virus, which the Minister reminded has impacted every facet of society.
