News

International Situation

Internationally, the number of new cases has continued to decline, with a 12% decrease from the previous reporting week. There has also been a decline globally in deaths, by 22%. The dominant variant circulating globally continues to be the Omicron variant, specifically the BA.2 lineage. However, the Omicron lineages BA.2.12.1, BA.5 and BA.4 are increasing in prevalence.

Cayman Islands Local Trends

All key indicators have increased in Epi Week 23, with a testing delay likely due to the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee long weekend. The case rate has increased from 630 cases per 100,000 population to 681 cases per 100,000 population, with an increase in new cases of 8% (from 437 to 472). The test positivity has increased to 28% from 25%, and the number of PCR tests conducted has fallen by 9% (from 1,814 to 1,659). The spike in cases reported on 7 June most likely reflects a delay in individuals coming forward for testing over the bank holiday weekend.

Hospital Admissions

Ten new admissions were registered during Epi. Week 23, again an increase on the previous week where seven new admissions were reported. Of the ten new admissions, seven were specifically caused by COVID-19 morbidity, with only three patients detected on screening. A total of 12 patients required inpatient treatment (no change from the previous week).

Vaccination

During Epi. Week 23, a total of 61 children received the paediatric COVID-19 vaccine (26 first dose and 35 second dose), bringing the total of vaccines administered to children over the last two weeks to 114.

Key Message

The decline in the current wave of infection has stalled with an uptick across many indicators, including COVID-19 new hospitalisations. Vigilance of preventative measures and continuation of testing is required to ensure community transmission decreases.