The Ministry of Health and Social Services (MoHSS) is today reporting that during the period 12:01 p.m. Thursday, May 12, 2022, to 12:00noon Saturday, May 14, 2022, a total of 47 new cases of COVID-19 were recorded (38 on Friday and 9 on Saturday).

The Ministry also indicates that two persons were hospitalised during the reporting period (1 on Friday, May 13 and the other person on Saturday, May 14). The 47 new cases were all locally transmitted.

The Ministry also recorded 38 recoveries during the reporting period. Therefore, the total number of active cases on Montserrat is 363. 819 people are in quarantine.

The Ministry of Health and Social Services is urging residents to be vigilant and protect themselves from the virus by wearing facial coverings and social distancing when in public spaces and by practicing good hand hygiene.

Residents are reminded not to visit the home or place of occupancy of a person in quarantine or isolation. Individuals are still required to wear a face mask in public places.

COVID-19 REPORT FOR MONTSERRAT AS OF 12 NOON SATURDAY MAY 14, 2022 BELOW:

Source: GIU

The Ministry of Health and Social Services (MoHSS) is today reporting that during the period 12:01 p.m. Tuesday, May 3, 2022, to 12:00 noon Thursday, May 5, 2022, a total of 81 new cases of COVID-19 were recorded (47 on Wednesday and 34 on Thursday).

The 81 new cases were locally transmitted. The Ministry also recorded 23 recoveries during the reporting period. Therefore, the total number of active cases on Montserrat is 229.

558 people are in quarantine.

The Ministry of Health and Social Services is urging residents to be vigilant and protect themselves from the virus by wearing facial coverings and social distancing when in public spaces and by practicing good hand hygiene.

Residents are reminded not to visit the home or place of occupancy of a person who is in quarantine or isolation. Individuals are still required to wear a face mask in public places.COVID-19 REPORT FOR MONTSERRAT AS OF 12 NOON THURSDAY MAY 5, 2022 BELOW:

GIU

Some small-scale rockfall activity started at approximately 22:50 on 28 April 2022 and continued until 1 May 2022. From the seismic data, these are located on the dome. Upon further investigation, the rockfalls have now been interpreted as heavy rainfall-induced. The rain gauge at Lees Yard recorded 18cm of rain from Thursday through to Saturday. By contrast, the rain gauge at MVO recorded just 4cm of rain in the first period.

Dr Adam Stinton mapped the location of the rain gauge in relation to the dome. The X’s equal the main areas for rockfall activity on the lava dome. LeesWx = rain gauge, MSS1 = spider seismic instrument.

Seismologist Roderick Stewart plotted the rainfall and rainfall counts. The top plot shows the cumulative rainfall at an MVO weather station from 28 April to 1 May 2022. The bottom plot shows the amplitude of the signal from an MVO seismic station close to the dome.

The small spikes in this data below the word “Rockfall” were generated by small rockfalls.

Source: MVO

May is being observed as National Preparedness Month on Montserrat by the Disaster Management Coordination Agency, DMCA and the Montserrat Volcano Observatory, MVO.

During May, the DMCA and the MVO will be holding a series of community preparedness meetings to update residents on the status of Soufriere Hill Volcano and to raise awareness about the threat posed by earthquakes and extreme weather events and, what actions residents can take to protect themselves and their families.

Also, during the month, residents will have an opportunity to win fantastic prizes on ZJB Radio and via DMCA and MVO Facebook pages.

The month will culminate with an Exposition on Friday, May 27th 2022, showcasing the various equipment used by the MVO and DMCA in emergency preparedness and the Junior Mountain Aglow Exhibit.

According to an Air Quality Bulletin issued by the Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Services, the threat of health problems is expected to be elevated, for mainly unusually sensitive people, such as asthmatics and could potentially cause them limited impacts.

Hence, Active children and adults, the elderly, and people with heart and respiratory diseases on Montserrat, such as asthma should limit prolonged outdoor exertion, and wear a face mask when going outside.

Synopsis: The air quality is down to moderate levels as a result of particulate matters 2.5 and 10, associated primarily with a fresh surge in the Saharan Dust.

Air quality index: 50 to 80

Alert Level: II

Health implications: Air quality is acceptable; however, for some pollutants, there may be a moderate health concern for a very small number of people who are unusually sensitive to air pollution.

Dale Destin

The Ministry of Health and Social Services (MoHSS) is urging residents to take measures to reduce the likelihood of contracting COVID-19; as cases continue to increase on the island.

As of 12 noon Friday, April 29, Montserrat recorded 18 new cases and two recoveries bringing the number of active cases on the island to 78.

The cases are predominantly locally transmitted.

The Ministry is therefore reminding persons to take the following steps to curb the spread of the virus: practice social distancing; wear a face covering; wash and sanitise hands often; stay at home if feeling unwell or experiencing flu-like symptoms, and isolate and call 496-7437 or 493-4755 for instructions on testing and care.

Officials in the Ministry of Health are continuing the process of contact tracing of close contacts of persons who have tested positive. All age groups are currently affected by this current outbreak, however, the age categories with the highest infection rates are 0-9 years and 10-19 years.

Source: GIU

Beachgoers, Spear and Shoreline Fishers are advised to use caution and remain vigilant when venturing onto affected coastlines as powerful waves can put your life at risk.

According to the Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Services, moderate long period swells are reaching the area and are affecting mainly northern and north-facing coastlines. The threat level to the life, livelihood, property and infrastructure of those using the affected coastlines is moderate, with the potential for significant impacts. These swells are expected to cause life threatening surfs and rip currents for affected coastlines. A high surf advisory means that dangerous surfs of 2 to 3 metres or 6 to 10 feet will affect some coastlines in the advisory area, producing hazardous conditions.

Locations to be affected: Reefs and exposed northern and north-facing coastlines with relatively shallow, gently to moderately sloping, nearshore areas. Seas (significant wave heights): 1.5 to 2.1 metres (5 to 7 feet), occasionally or locally reaching near 2.7 metres (9 feet). Swell period: 9 to 13 seconds.

Swells: North at 1.5 to 1.8 metres (5 to 6 feet) and occasionally higher.

Surfs (breaking swells): Over 2 metres (over 6 feet). These conditions are conducive for dangerous rip currents. Please note that surfs could be as much as twice the height of swells, depending on the bathymetry of the nearshore areas.

Coastal flooding: High tides combined with onshore wind and swell actions could result in localized coastal flooding and beach erosion.

Potential Impacts: Loss of life–strong currents that can carry even the strongest swimmers out to sea; injuries to beachgoers; beach erosion; sea water splashing onto low lying coastal roads; beach closures; localized disruptions to marine recreation and businesses; financial losses; damage to coral reefs; saltwater intrusion and disruptions to potable water from desalination. High surfs can knock spectators off exposed rocks and jetties.

Precautionary: Beachgoers, especially to the mainly affected coastlines, should be extremely cautious; bathe only where lifeguards are present or the sheltered, less affected beaches, mainly to the south. Extreme caution is also required by those using the affected non-beach or rocky coastlines.

Rip currents are powerful channels of water flowing quickly away from shore, which occur most often at low spots or breaks in the sandbar and near structures such as groins, jetties and piers. If caught in a rip current, relax and float. Don`t swim against the current. If able, swim in a direction following the shoreline. If unable to escape, face the shore and call or wave for help.

Forecaster: Dale Destin

The Disaster Management Coordination Agency (DMCA) is urging residents and visitors to exercise extreme caution when crossing the Belham Valley River as Lahars/mudflows can occur at any time without warning due to a significant amount of rainfall from a trough system approaching our area from the southeast.

According to the Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Services, based on the forecast models, the greater activity from this trough, the heavy shower and thunderstorm activity, should start from around midday today Friday, April 29, 2022, across the Leeward Islands, which include Montserrat.

It states that there’s a probability of rainfall totals peaking to near 100 mm or 4 inches over the next 60 hours. With this kind of rainfall possible depending on the intensity and duration, flash flooding and associated impacts are of concern.

Therefore, residents and visitors are advised to be careful in areas that are generally prone to landslides, rockfalls and flashfloods including Carrs’ Bay and Little Bay, and take the necessary precautions.

Motorists are encouraged to be extra careful when driving in these conditions as wet weather driving can be hazardous, causing skidding.

The DMCA will continue to monitor the weather conditions and, provide updates as necessary.

Dale Destin, Meteorologist/Climatologist for the Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Service Climate Section said a trough system is poised to cause wet weather across the northeast Caribbean, including Montserrat on Friday/Saturday.

He explained that several of the more reliable weather models are forecasting the potential (10 percent chance) for rainfall totals exceeding 25 mm (over 1 inch) to fall over the period Friday to Sunday of this weekend.

Destin further went on to say that the potential total for over 25 mm in 72 hours is not in and of itself a high figure. He added that whereas all models consulted are forecasting rainfall for the weekend, the forecast totals differ, as can be expected. At the lower end of the potential rainfall scale some are projecting a 10 percent chance of over 25 mm (over an inch), while others are suggesting potentially higher totals, a 10 percent chance of over 75 mm (3 in) for the weekend.

The Meteorologist stated that GFS 24hr precipitation total exceedance forecast probabilities showing all areas with at least a 10 percent chance of getting over 50 mm (2 in) of rainfall from 2 am Saturday, 30 April to 2 am Sunday, 1 May 2022.

Destin said if the models prove right, and the upper end of the rainfall potential materialises, some places across the northeast Caribbean which includes Montserrat, could see the average total for April falling in one weekend, if not one day.

The possible rainfall total for the area is 25 to 100 mm (1 to 4 in). With this kind of rainfall possible, depending on the intensity and duration, flash flooding and associated impacts are of concern.

Deterministic rainfall accumulation forecast by the GFS model from Thursday, 28 April to Sunday, 1 May 2022Destin stated that the system has already caused wet weather across the southern Caribbean with some areas receiving over 75 mm (3 in). The trough also prompted flash flood warnings for some islands.

The Disaster Management Coordination Agency, DMCA is urging residents, visitors and the vulnerable on Montserrat to be vigilant and exercise caution as flash floods, landslides and rockfalls can occur with little or no warning, due to prolonged rain, rain showers in higher elevations and soil saturation.

Source: Dale Destin, Meteorologist/Climatologist for the Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Service Climate Section.

Beachgoers, Spear and Shoreline Fishers are advised to use caution and remain vigilant when venturing onto affected coastlines as powerful waves can put your life at risk.

According to a High Surf Caution issued by the Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Services late last night, Moderate long period swells are reaching the area and are affecting mainly northern and north-facing coastlines.

Locations to be affected: Reefs and exposed northern and north-facing coastlines with relatively shallow, gently to moderately sloping, nearshore areas.

Synopsis: The threat level to the life, livelihood, property and infrastructure of those using the affected coastlines is moderate, with the potential for significant impacts. These swells are expected to cause life threatening surfs and rip currents for affected coastlines. A high surf advisory means that dangerous surfs of 2 to 3 metres or 6 to 10 feet will affect some coastlines in the advisory area, producing hazardous conditions.

Seas (significant wave heights): 1.5 to 2.1 metres (5 to 7 feet), occasionally or locally reaching near 2.7 metres (9 feet). Swell period: 9 to 13 seconds. Swells: North at 1.5 to 2.1 metres (5 to 7 feet) and occasionally higher.

Surfs (breaking swells): Over 2 metres (over 6 feet). These conditions are conducive for dangerous rip currents. Please note that surfs could be as much as twice the height of swells, depending on the bathymetry of the nearshore areas.

Coastal flooding: High tides combined with onshore wind and swell actions could result in localized coastal flooding and beach erosion.

Potential Impacts: Loss of life–strong currents that can carry even the strongest swimmers out to sea; injuries to beachgoers; beach erosion; sea water splashing onto low lying coastal roads; beach closures; localized disruptions to marine recreation and businesses; financial losses; damage to coral reefs; saltwater intrusion and disruptions to potable water from desalination. High surfs can knock spectators off exposed rocks and jetties.

Precautionary: Beachgoers, especially to the mainly affected coastlines, should be extremely cautious; bathe only where lifeguards are present or the sheltered, less affected beaches, mainly to the south. Extreme caution is also required by those using the affected non-beach or rocky coastlines.

Rip currents are powerful channels of water flowing quickly away from shore, which occur most often at low spots or breaks in the sandbar and near structures such as groins, jetties and piers. If caught in a rip current, relax and float. Don`t swim against the current. If able, swim in a direction following the shoreline. If unable to escape, face the shore and call or wave for help.

Forecaster: Dale Destin