The Ministry of Health and Social Services is saddened to announce another COVID-19 related death.

The deceased is a male between the age 80-89 who last resided at a residential care facility for the elderly. He was diagnosed with COVID-19 on May 9TH and was unvaccinated.

His death today (Monday May 16, 2022) is the 4th for the island since the pandemic began in 2020.

The public is reminded that COVID-19 can be severe and lead to long-lasting complications or death. Residents should therefore take all measures to protect themselves from the virus by practicing good hand hygiene, wearing face coverings in public spaces, adhering to quarantine and isolation protocols and vaccinating against this potentially deadly virus.

Additionally, people infected should seek medical attention at the earliest signs of severe symptoms such as shortness of breath or difficulty breathing and chest pains; by contacting the Flu Hotline at 496.7437 or 493.4755.

The Ministry of Health expresses condolences to the family and friends of the deceased.

Source: GIU

Air Quality on Montserrat drops to moderate levels associated with a fresh surge in the Saharan Dust particles in the atmosphere!

That’s according to an Air Quality Bulletin issued by the Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Services.

Everyone should exercise caution, especially sensitive groups such as active children and adults, and people with respiratory and heart diseases, such as asthma, should limit prolonged outdoor exertion or restrict outdoor activity. Also, keep windows and doors closed, as much as possible, and wear a facemask when going outside.

Air Quality Index Based on Particulate Matters 2.5 (PM2.5) and 10 (PM10) Concentration

Air quality category: Moderate

Location: Montserrat

Timing: Monday night until Sunday

Synopsis: The air quality is forecast to decrease to moderate levels as a result of particulate matters 2.5 and 10, associated with a fresh surge in the Saharan Dust. The threat of health problems will become elevated, for mainly unusually sensitive people, such as asthmatics and could potentially cause them limited health impacts.

Air quality index: 50 to 100

Alert Level: IISensitive groups: People with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly and children are the groups most at risk.

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

Dale Destin

The Ministry of Health and Social Services is saddened to announce the death of one resident from COVID-19.\

The female resident was admitted to the Glendon Hospital on Friday, May 13 with severe COVID-19 and ultimately succumbed to the disease on Saturday, May 14. The deceased was between the ages of 20 to 29, had no underlying health conditions and was unvaccinated.

Residents are reminded that COVID-19 can be severe and lead to long lasting complications or death. Residents should therefore take all measures to protect themselves from the virus by practicing good hand hygiene, wearing face coverings in public spaces, adhering to quarantine and isolation protocols and vaccinating against this potentially deadly virus.

Additionally, people infected should seek medical attention at the earliest signs of severe symptoms (e.g. chest pain and shortness of breath) by contacting the Flu-Hotline at 496.7437 or 493.4755.

The Ministry expresses condolences to the family and friends of the deceased.

Source: GIU

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