One new COVID-related death reported as cases rise by 15%

Public Health has reported one new death related to COVID-19, according to its latest weekly report, which indicated a 15% increase in cases.

During the week of 19-25 June, 424 new cases were confirmed via PCR tests carried out by Public Health, compared to 369 cases in the week of 11-17 June.

The newly reported death brings to 29 the number of COVID-related deaths in Cayman since the start of the pandemic.

“Epidemiological metrics have fluctuated the past few weeks and ongoing transmission appears to be plateauing rather than declining after the recent wave of infections,” the statement said.

The Cayman Islands government recently relaxed COVID restrictions on the islands, eliminating a mandate for people to wear masks in indoor public areas and dropping a requirement for incoming passengers to be tested for the virus before they arrive in Cayman.

The regulations still require anyone who tests positive for COVID-19 in a home lateral flow test to report this to Public Health and take a confirmatory PCR test. Those who have tested positive are no longer subject to an exit PCR test at the end of their isolation period, which is six days for a vaccinated person and nine days for an unvaccinated person.

Public Health stated that there had been 10 new hospital admissions in the week of 19-25 June, an increase from the previous reporting week which saw five new admissions. One of the new patients was a child, aged under 10, according to data released by health officials.

The report noted, “Of the ten admissions, six were admitted due to COVID-19 morbidity, and four were patients detected on screening. A total of 12 patients required inpatient treatment, which increased from 9 patients in the previous week.”

Vaccinations

During the week, 134 adults received a COVID-19 vaccine – 48 got their first dose and 86 received a second dose. Also, 66 children were vaccinated, including 22 who received their first dose and 44 their second dose.

Regarding boosters, Public Health said 42.8% of those aged 20 years and over had received a third shot, compared to 68.7% of those aged over 70 who had gotten it.