Cayman’s COVID-19 deaths increased by two over the last week taking the overall death toll tally linked to the virus to 23, Public Health officials have confirmed.
The new deaths were announced in the Health Ministry’s weekly epidemiological report released on Wednesday night.
“Both patients were unvaccinated and suffered from severe co-morbidities,” the report stated as it released data collated over Epi. Week 10 which ran from 5 to 12 March 2022.
A total of 69 positive cases were reported to Public Health on Monday and Tuesday this week, 35 on Monday and 34 on Tuesday.
There are an estimated 476 active cases of the virus in the Cayman Islands, of which five patients are hospitalised for COVID-related causes.
Three of the five are unvaccinated.
The seven-day rolling average for positive cases as of Wednesday was 29.
The Sister Islands recorded two new cases since the last report, bringing total cases since the beginning of the pandemic to 636.
During Epi. Week 10, there were 205 new cases of COVID-19 reported by Public Health. This was 21 cases fewer than were reported in the previous Epi. Week (28 February – 5 March).
Fewer tests were conducted during Epi Week 10 compared to tests in Epi. Week 9. At total of 1,162 tests were done as opposed to 1,429 the week before.
All statistics reported during Epi. Week 10, the report stated, have been adjusted to reflect the new population figure of 69,350.
Cayman’s total COVID-19 cases stood at 20,336 as at 15 March.
Vaccine campaign heads to local schools
Doses vaccine administered to 5-11 age group
- Jan – 47
- Feb – 145
- March – 152
- Total: 344
As the booster programme continues, plans are being put in place to carry out vaccination sessions in schools during March to try and increase the uptake of the vaccine.
As of 12 March, 344 children have been vaccinated, with 152 so far getting their COVID-19 jab in March.
Overall coverage in the over-20 year olds is at 39%, which is amongst the “best” in the Caribbean British Overseas Territories.
“More significantly, the coverage amongst the over 65, which is the main target for the booster program, has already reached the 60% mark, which is very positive. Efforts need to continue to increase the coverage in the younger age groups and move it forward, ideally toward 80% especially in the over 65,” the report stated.
Omicron “wave” noted
The reported noted the increase of international Omicron cases, both the BA.1 and BA.2 strains; however, it said “host adaptation, most influenced by vaccination and previous infection, appears to protect the populations from the most severe forms of the disease and death so far”.
It stated that while COVID-19 restrictions have begun to lift around the world, some concern is being raised due to the resurgence in cases in several countries and lockdowns are being re-introduced such as those in limited areas in China.
“The new ‘wave’ appears to be caused by the Omicron variant(s) (both BA.1 and BA.2). For example, the United Kingdom, which has already experienced a wave of Omicron BA.1, is now seeing the BA.2 variant ‘leading’ the more recent surge in cases. The impact on hospital admissions remains low thus far, which is reassuring and most likely linked to the positive effects of vaccination,” it said.
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