Africa-Press – Seychelles. Steady decline in cases noted
As of yesterday, February 3, Seychelles counted 2100 of active Covid-19 cases. Out of the total number, 1673 cases are on Mahé, 335 cases on Praslin, 76 cases on La Digue and 16 cases on five other islands. Globally, after the big surge, the world is noticing a decrease in the infection rate.
So far, the cumulative cases total to 37,771, while 35,517 is the total number of recovered cases.The total number of people who has died of Covid-19 related illnesses is 154.
This update on the Covid-19 situation in the country was given yesterday by the Public Health Commissioner, Dr Jude Gedéon and the director of hospital services, Dr Kenneth Henriette, in the regular press conference at the Sheikh Khalifa Diagnostic Centre.
Dr Gedeon noted that the figures show “a steady decline” in cases.
“We have been noticing a gradual drop in the trend of infection daily and the daily rolling average is coming down and it is now 186 per day. The breakdown of cases are mainly from the young adults and children. When we did an analysis and compared the rate of infection at the start of school and after two weeks into first term, we find that while the number of infections has kept dropping in all age groups, the drop in the younger age groups has been less significant than the young adults.”
Even with this drop, Dr Gedeon stated that the rolling average per day is still over 100 for 100,000 persons and we are still at high level transmission in the country. “Despite of that, we are looking at the public health measures in place and we are already looking at what point we will be announcing these measures. Hopefully next week we will make an announcement.”
Regarding re-infection rate, Dr Gédeon announced that almost 1000 people have been re-infected mainly with Omicron variant in January.
“We sadly regret that we have lost 19 people in January and most of the deceased had previous morbid conditions. The analysis also showed us that compared to June last year after the Delta variant waves, the average age of people concerned is now 70 to 80 and 80 to 90. Three quarters of the majority of people passed have not been vaccinated,” explained Dr Gédeon.
Dr Gédeon also pointed out that most of the people admitted at the hospital are people who have a secondary medical problem and most of them have diabetes and obesity as disease.
“We urge this group of people to come forward to get their vaccine and do not wait until they get infected,” added Dr Gédeon.
Vaccination rate for the booster dose is currently at 32% and 80% of the population have completed dose 1 and 2.
Dr Henriette gave an overview on the situation of people admitted at the hospital. Many of the Covid-19 cases are being self-isolated at home.
“At the Perseverance Family Hospital, there are currently 10 cases – moderate to severe. There are no cases in Intensive Care Unit right now. At the New Coast Guard Hospital there are 21 patients with mostly old people. Most of the cases are non-vaccinated people and we are seeing an increase in the number of old people who are being admitted with other risk factors. Please go get vaccinated and take the booster dose in order to protect yourself and others,” expressed Dr Henriette.
Dr Gedeon concluded with a message which is being repeated by the World Health Organisation: “Omicron is not the common cold although it appears to cause mild illness to most people. The risk of infecting the most vulnerable ones increases thus more admission at the hospital. My message is to get vaccinated and avoid crowds as much as possible and wear a face mask properly. Keep windows and doors open for ventilation and if you have the urge to cough or sneeze do not do it if you do not have your mask on. Clean your hands often.
If the trend continues the same way, we will certainly see a change in the restrictions imposed and we all need to be patient.”
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