Good news out of Seychelles this week – for the second straight week the destination has registered a sustained decline in new cases of COVID-19. The daily infection has now dropped to below the levels recorded prior to the spike that rang alarm bells for the country’s health authorities and foreign press.

Addressing the National Assembly on Tuesday morning, Minister for Health, Peggy Vidot, announced a steady decline from 354 new cases per day to the current seven-day rolling average of around 100 new cases per day. The Minister attributed the decrease to the successful implementation and observation of tightened health and safety regulations in the community, and a ramping up of the national vaccination programme.

As of 25 May, 63% of Seychelles’ total population (98,462) had received both doses of their Covid-19 vaccine, while 71% had been administered the first dose.

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63% OF TOTAL POPULATION VACCINATED

Of the 10,682 positive cases registered since the onset of the pandemic in March 2020 (figures which include EU seamen and foreigners), 90% of cases have recovered. 38 deaths have been recorded since March 2020 – all fatalities were either unvaccinated or not fully vaccinated.

There are currently only two patients in critical condition requiring ventilator support, and five others are reported as presenting as moderately severe requiring hospital care. None of these patients have been vaccinated. Over 80% of all patients admitted to treatment centres are unvaccinated and most suffer from co-morbid conditions, the Ministry of Health has said.

According to the Ministry of Health, a survey is to be launched shortly to assess the level of immunity in the population. The results of the survey will inform policies and guidance in the control of the pandemic. Seychelles is following emerging guidance on vaccines from other countries and the WHO as to if, and when, a booster dose would be required.

Minister Vidot said that, going forward, a subject of serious consideration is how to protect the segment of the population that cannot be vaccinated. Discussions are also ongoing as to how to obtain approved vaccines to administer to the below 18 years of age group.

To note, the country has recently added the Russian Sputnik V vaccine to its arsenal in the war against COVID-19.

Seychelles, a remote island destination in the Indian Ocean with a tourism model revolving around responsible tourism, is slowly reclaiming its place among the world’s most popular destinations.

Joining the war against the spread of the infection, tourism service providers have shown strong determination to ensure compliance with health requirements and making the destination safe.

 

Remember to visit our Covid-19 Resource Page for the latest updates, advisories and requirements for travel to Seychelles.

Submitted by Seychelles Tourism Board | Image Courtesy of Torsten Dickmann - STB

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