The Ministry of Health & Wellness, through its ongoing COVID-19 surveillance, has identified a cluster of COVID-19 cases in Santa Cruz Village, Stann Creek District.
The initial positive case was identified on June 3 as part of a routine testing in the Mayan King area where the exercise resulted in the principal of Santa Cruz Primary School testing positive. Two close contacts of the principal also tested positive. The surveillance team then moved on to Santa Cruz Village on June 4 to conduct mass testing. This resulted in 18 positive cases from 65 samples tested, giving a positivity rate of 27%. To date, 21 samples have resulted positive in that area. The surveillance team has been visiting Santa Cruz daily.
Community-based activities have been organized with the business community and area representative in Stann Creek to support risk mitigation, control and prevention. A community fair is being planned for June 10 to conduct mass swabbing and vaccination. Physical distancing guidelines and infection prevention and control measures will be observed.
The Ministry of Health & Wellness urges the public to get vaccinated, adhere to physical distancing measures, wear masks properly while in public, and wash and sanitize hands often. The public is also reminded to get tested if experiencing signs and symptoms of COVID-19 or have had contact with persons who tested positive.
