US Passes 900K COVID-19 deaths, Actual Count May Be Higher

© Getty Images

The U.S. death toll from COVID-19 topped 900,000 people, fueled by the highly contagious omicron variant, less than two months after the nation passed 800,000. But the actual death toll may be higher.

Despite three widely available vaccines that effectively prevent severe illness and death, only 64 percent of the population is fully vaccinated, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The vaccination campaign has been beset by inequities, misinformation and political sabotage, and the unvaccinated are the ones suffering the most. More people have died in the 13 months since the vaccines have been available than before.

Data from the CDC show the total number of deaths involving COVID-19 in 2020 was 385,343.

The U.S. has one of the highest per capita rates of recorded COVID-19 cases in the world, with about 15,000 cases per 100,000 people, according to a New York Times tracker.

While increasing evidence shows omicron may be less likely to cause death or serious illness than the delta variant, the sheer infectiousness and the speed at which it spreads has overwhelmed hospitals, primarily with people who have not been vaccinated.

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More vaxxed US adults hospitalized with omicron

© Associated Press — Nam Y. Huh

A higher proportion of adults hospitalized with COVID-19 during the period of omicron dominance were fully vaccinated compared to the period of delta dominance, according to a new analysis. Still those people were also less likely to be severely ill or die.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) analysis of a single hospital in Los Angeles found there were more hospitalizations during omicron compared to delta, but that among omicron-period patients, vaccination — particularly vaccination plus a booster dose — was associated with lower likelihood of admission to an intensive care unit.

Among adults at least 65 years old hospitalized during omicron, vaccination was also associated with a lower likelihood of death while hospitalized.

“COVID-19 vaccination, particularly a booster dose, continues to be critical in mitigating the health care burden of the omicron variant,” the CDC concluded in its Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.

Omicron-period hospitalizations overall were associated with a lower likelihood of ICU admission, mechanical ventilation and death while hospitalized, compared with delta-period hospitalizations.

With COVID or because of it? According to the CDC, that distinction doesn’t really matter.  “Even patients with positive SARS-CoV-2 test results admitted for non-COVID-19 conditions require isolation rooms and use of personal protective equipment and might transmit infection to health care workers, exacerbating staff shortages.”

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Image source, Getty Images

Image source, Reuters

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WORLD STATS

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The first of the movies filmed on Nevis by MSR Media will be released globally on Valentine’s Day, February 14, with plans for a free showing in Nevis ahead of the release date.

Premier of Nevis Mark Brantley said his administration has gone in a very aggressive way to develop a movie industry on the island.

“We have been blessed that some four movies were filmed here last year.

The first of those four movies will be released worldwide on February 14. 

“The first of those movies is ‘A Week in Paradise.’ That will be on all major streaming platforms.”

Brantley said Nevisians will be afforded the opportunity for those at home and those abroad to see the country in living display.

He disclosed that following a conversation with Philippe Martinez of MSR Media, a free premiere screening was offered for the people of Nevis. 

“That will happen before the international release and it will be a free event; an event we are seeking to organise at the Malcolm Guishard Recreational Park.

“The idea is for you to come with your families and to see the very first movie made in Nevis released on big screens, on free public screening, for the people to come out and see themselves,” Brantley said.

He added that they have talked about the movies, but this is the time Nevisians will get to see what has been created using Nevis.

“The real star in these movies is the island of Nevis.

I believe this is a phenomenal thing, a great development, and I did not myself think it possible. But the impossible has been made possible – that we all together will be able to have a free screening of this movie “A week in Paradise.”

Brantley said the details of the Nevisian showing are still being organised.

“We look forward to this, and we think that it is good news for us, and an excellent way to bring home the reality of the music-making business to the people of Nevis.

“It is not just chatter, not just the Premier talking about it. It has actually happened, and you can see it happening in the ground.”

Brantley said that throughout they have been in regular contact with MSR Media, as they were their preferred partners when they started this journey.

“It was always the intention for St Kitts and Nevis to be the backdrop for these movies. There were scenes available in St Kitts and scenes available in Nevis. These islands provided a beautiful backdrop because of how close we are, and our ability to move back and forth easily.

“It is quite interesting that the two islands have an opportunity to build something.”

The Premier said that going forward, he thinks they are going to attract others to come to the island and see what the Federation can offer.

“One of the selling points has been the ease of operating here. Things like closing a road for half an hour in other countries is very difficult. Here, we have been accommodating.

“It has gone well, and it is my hope – and I am told they should film four movies this year – if that works out we would be in good nick and a good position to continue this industry.”

He added that MSR Media are also engaging in St Kitts.

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Health authorities in St Kitts and Nevis are pleading with the general public to consider the health and safety of the elderly, after an additional four COVID-19 deaths were recorded in St Kitts and Nevis this week, all among the ageing demographic.

On January 31, the federation recorded the four deaths – all confirmed to be unvaccinated, elderly people – moving the figure to 37. 

During the fourth wave, there have been nine COVID-related deaths. 

Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Dr Hazel Laws said that it is important to note that these individuals were all unvaccinated, they were older adults, and they had underlying chronic conditions.

She explained that the World Health Organization has described this demographic as being the most vulnerable to suffer serious consequences from the virus.

“That means these individuals are at an increased risk of being admitted and going on the ventilator and even dying.”

Dr Laws emphasized that unvaccinated persons face a higher risk of becoming severely ill. 

“Vaccinated people on the other hand generally experience mild illness, and those who do have breakthrough infection just have mild symptoms. In one or two days they recover without any problems.”

She stressed that the unvaccinated elderly are to be protected from the virus.

“It is important for me to underscore that the most vulnerable persons amongst us are the older adults who are unvaccinated and who have underlying chronic conditions. When I look at the demographic information of the persons who recently died, I realise that these individuals were not going out regularly; they did not go out and pick up COVID.”

The CMO said that based on the information, what they are surmising is that these individuals picked up the infection from their loved ones; people in their social network.

“We want persons in families to be careful when interacting with the older adults in your social network, especially the older adults who are unvaccinated, because if they do become ill, their risk of getting severely ill, their risk of being admitted, is high.”

Thus far, the death statistics show that 23 have been male and 14 female, with 78 percent being over 60.

“This is very important, and we want to pause and reach out to those individuals who have not yet come on board in terms of accepting the vaccine. I want to implore you, I am beseeching that you recognise your vulnerability, empower yourself with the latest information about the vaccines and recognise they do provide that layer of protection, and it helps you to combat the virus.

“I don’t want us to become nonchalant and take this new variant for granted, because there are individuals who have become seriously ill, even with Omicron.”

Over this past week, 115 new cases of COVID-19  have been added, down from 305 cases in the previous week. 322 persons have fully recovered.

During the latest wave, to date there have been 2624 cases with 2295 recoveries. 

Dr Laws also gave statistics for recovery amongst the vaccinated statuses.

“If you are fully vaccinated for COVID in St Kitts and Nevis, the average time for recovery is seven days, if you are unvaccinated the average time for recovery is 12 days.

“Based on the data, we are noticing that persons who are fully vaccinated if you have underlying chronic conditions, you may experience a longer time to recovery. It is the same for those who are unvaccinated; when we test to see if you have recovered, it takes a little longer than 12 days.”

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Improving matters relating to trade and security between St Kitts and Nevis and Great Britain were the main agenda items, during the first official visit of Barbados-based British High Commissioner to the Federation of St Kitts and Nevis, His Excellency Scott Furssedonn-Wood.

The High Commissioner met with the Governor General, the Prime Minister, the Leader of the Opposition, Cabinet Ministers in the Federal and Nevis Island Administration and the Chamber of Industry and Commerce, among others.

Furssedonn-Wood noted that he came here with colleagues to look at different aspects of the relationship between both countries, and the various things the United Kingdom and St Kitts and Nevis can do in the future. 

“It is a longstanding relationship. Our countries have been friends for a very long time. We know each other well, our people know each other well. Our people come here on holiday, people from St Kitts and Nevis come to the UK to study and see their family. We have a very vibrant diaspora of Kittitians in the UK, but the partnership is about being forward-looking and how we can help each other in the world in the things that matter to us.”

He said one of the aims of the visit was about building a relationship that brings mutual benefits, with trade being a big part of that. 

“We don’t spend British aid money here in St Kitts and Nevis because you have graduated from eligibility for aid; you are too wealthy of an economy to be given aid money.”

He reminded that now there is a new economic partnership between the UK and countries of CARICOM dubbed Cariforum.

“There is a need to use that to get trade going and prosperity moving back and forth.

“There are British companies that can help with all sorts of challenges that your government is facing, and opportunities your government want to address.”

The envoy said he met with Minister of Education Jonel Powell, and among the discussions were educational opportunities. 

“We already have our Chevening scholarship – which is our flagship British scholarship programme – that has some fantastic students from St. Kitts and Nevis that have been successful in getting scholarships to study.”

Furssedonn-Wood added that there will be more opportunities in the future. 

“There are other opportunities for our educational systems to work together…to do great work here in support of your government’s ambitions, whether it is through developing capacity and content, or providing remote learning opportunities so that people in this country can study in British Universities for a degree from the comfort of their homes here.”

He noted that he was interested in finding new ways to work together. 

“Security is an important area of cooperation. Our national crime agency and other security agency work very closely with the RSS in the Eastern Caribbean to build capacity, and to provide support in relation to threats to your own security as well as threats to our own security in the UK.

“We are keen to find more ways to do that; more ways to increase cooperation.”

He reiterated that trade could provide those opportunities as well.

“The whole field of climate change is a really good one. We just hosted COP26 in the UK. We have the presidency of COP for the coming years, and would want to use our presidency to champion the voices of small island developing states. 

“We know countries like St Kitts and Nevis are on the frontlines of climate change. We want to stand with countries like St Kitts and Nevis. We want to work with you around adaptation to climate, and finance available internationally that helps small island states become climate-resilient. We want to work with international systems to ensure your voices are heard. The voice of St Kitts and Nevis is heard loud and clear, because you have a strong credible presence on the world stage.”

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As Social Security in St Kitts and Nevis celebrates its 44th Anniversary, Minister Eugene Hamilton has said that the fund remains strong despite many challenges, and remains resilient for all in times of need. 

Delivering an address on Tuesday, 1st February 2022 –  the 44th anniversary of the St Christopher and Nevis Social Security Board’s establishment – Hamilton reflected that over the last 44 years, Social Security has solidified itself as the premier pillar of society, providing pecuniary benefits to the insured in situations such as sickness, maternity, employment injury and in old age, amongst others. 

“All insured persons can rely with confidence on the ability of the Social Security Fund to pay benefits. This could not be achieved without the appropriate measures for sound financial management and administration.”

He reminded that apart from the fund’s primary objective to pay benefits, it has demonstrated time and time again its thrust to ensure the sustainability of the economy, through its various corporate social responsibility programmes. 

“Annual donations to health and national security, capital investment in local development projects, support to youth programmes and NGOs, all add value to the core function of social security.

 “A major show of solidarity in 2020 was the initiation and rollout of the COVID-19 Relief Fund, where over 8500 persons were provided with the COVID-19 grants to the tune of over $23 million.”

Hamilton revealed that in 2021, Social Security again stepped up to support families whose income was further interrupted by the second wave of the COVID-19 outbreak, in St. Kitts and Nevis. 

“Social Security in collaboration with Ram’s Supermarkets and Valu Mart provided financial support of $275,000 in food vouchers through the Food Vouchers Initiative of the Ministry of Social Services and NEMA. This level of support is outside the usual scope of Social Security benefits, but it underscores the importance of Social Security, not only in normal times, but also in times of crisis.”

Hamilton said that although there are growing challenges of a maturing fund and the intricacies of changing demographics, Social Security “continues to grow and maintain the fund as a strong and resilient safety net for all who depend on the fund to meet its obligations”.

“As responsible administrators of the fund, it is equally important to improve upon the current financial infrastructure; implement transformational reforms aimed at increasing the longevity of the Fund, and continue to be a reliable corporate partner through the next 44 years and beyond.”

Hamilton said that going forward it is important to reflect on the past, and move ahead with renewed vigour to advance the products and services provided by Social Security

He also revealed the figures of some of the work done by Social Security in 2021: – 659 New Age Pensioners guaranteed monthly benefits; 88 New Invalidity Claimants guaranteed monthly support; 145 New Survivors Pensioners approved for monthly benefits including spouses, dependent parents, and children, and a total benefit expenditure for the year amounting to $120,816,494.68.

 “Not only do these figures magnify the level of support to the insured in times of need, it also underscores the equal importance for both employers and the self-employed to remain compliant and meet their obligations to the fund. It requires all hands on deck, dutifully committing to the long-term goal of financial soundness and sustainability. Any other approach would be counterproductive,” Hamilton stated.

 He also urged all stakeholders to pay keen attention to their social security matters and to ascribe to their rights and obligations as insured persons.

 “I pray for God’s continued blessings on the fund, the administrators, the Economy, and our government and all of our people, so that the mission to provide the best possible benefits is achieved for generations to come.”

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The entertainment industry could be given the green light to restart events in March, according to Chair of the National COVID-19 Task Force, Abdias Samuel.

Delivering what he described as “good news”, Samuel said the Task Force in their deliberations agreed to have the Cabinet consider commencement of major events, fetes and other activities as of the month of March

“As for the date, we will communicate that with you as soon as we get the consideration and deliberation from Cabinet. We are hopeful that we can get that information to you so you can begin to advertise your events as necessary.”

Samuel said that he will be communicating with the Ministry of Entertainment, who should be liaising with the promoters and entertainers so they can get the industry restarted.

“Restarted gradually and restarted safely. We want you to restart.”

He noted that they will reopen in a phased way, so that it would not be closed down again, unless there is a huge spike in COVID cases.

“The reason we are saying gradually, we don’t want to regress, unless we have a major outbreak. So let’s get it right so we don’t have to swing back and forth. We start it, start it right, get it done correctly, and we have it sustained so we don’t have to look back unless it is a major outbreak.

“We are here to work with everyone to bring back the sector to operation.”

Since the end of Sugar Mas 50, the entertainment sector has been at a standstill following the start of the fourth wave of increased COVID-19 infection, and the discovery of the Omicron variant in St Kitts and Nevis in early January.

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 The Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) has delivered outstanding exposure for partner tourist boards during the 2021 season with a total sponsorship value of US$316.1million. This figure was generated from a report by independent and world-leading research company, YouGov Sport.

The tournament took place in St Kitts & Nevis between 26 August and 15 September with all 33 matches taken place at Warner Park.

The total viewership figure for 2021 was 517.4million, with the tournament passing half a billion viewers for the second successive year. This massive TV and digital viewership is the driver behind these fantastic sponsorship valuations and created massive exposure for tourism boards across the region.

The tourist boards in St Kitts & Nevis, Saint Lucia, Barbados, Jamaica and Guyana all had innovative and engaging advertising throughout the Hero CPL broadcast, including branding and tourism vignettes highlighting why these countries are must visit locations.

Pete Russell, Hero CPL’s CEO, said: “While it hasn’t been possible for us to travel around the region over the last two years we have been working very hard to ensure that the region is given the exposure that it so richly deserves. As the world begins to open up and travel is gets easier, we want to make sure that CPL viewers around the globe see the Caribbean as a must visit destination.”

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Basseterre, St. Kitts, February 03, 2022, (RSCNPF): On February 01, 2022, 59-year-old Brian Etienne of the Commonwealth of Dominica, was convicted and sentenced to two (2) years imprisonment for the offence of Illegal Entry at a Port that is not a Formal Port of Entry. He was also convicted and sentenced to two (2) years imprisonment for the offences of Allowing Persons to Disembark Without the Consent of an Immigration Officer. His sentences are to run concurrently. He was convicted and cautioned for the offence of Disembarking Without the Consent of an Immigration Officer.

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Basseterre, St. Kitts, February 03, 2022, (RSCNPF): On February 01, 2022, 57-year-old Wensley George of the Commonwealth of Dominica, was convicted and sentenced to two (2) years imprisonment for the offence of Illegal Entry at a Port that is not a Formal Port of Entry. He was also convicted and sentenced to two (2) years imprisonment for the offence of Allowing Persons to Disembark Without the Consent of an Immigration Officer. His sentences are to run consecutively. He was convicted and cautioned for the offence of Disembarking Without the Consent of an Immigration Officer.

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