Covid-19 taking toll on St Cuthbert’s Mission 

…over 50 new cases recorded; total now at 225

The total number of COVID-19 cases at the popular St Cuthbert’s Mission off the Linden Soesdyke Highway, has climbed rapidly to 225 this weekend and residents are worried that persons are not adhering to the recommended health practices.

Reports are that mass testing is ongoing at the village and within the past week, over 60 new cases have been recoded at the Arawak village. The cases are a mixture of the young and the old and persons are worried about the latter group, given their vulnerability to the disease. Approximately 1500 persons live at St Cuthbert’s Mission.

Within the past two weeks, the number of cases within the village climbed rapidly and a resident told the Village Voice on Saturday, that persons who are experiencing symptoms of the virus such as fevers, are awaiting treatment from medical staff who have been placed within the village in recent days by the Ministry of Health. A taskforce has been set-up by the ministry to address the situation there. It is unclear if a quarantine facility/facilities have been set up in the area.

Minister of Health Dr Frank Anthony noted that the authorities were administering additional tests at the village.
A mandatory lockdown was enforced at the village as the cases rose and Anthony noted that the medical team will remain at the village for the duration of the lockdown.

Meanwhile, as part of a measure to assist residents, the village council been working around the clock to alleviate the situation. According to Toshao Beverly Clenkian, the council has wavered the payment of electricity for the month of November for all residents. The lockdown which was enforced two weeks ago, expires on November 21, 2020.