Orealla/Siparuta, New Amsterdam record new COVID-19 cases

Orealla is now reporting positive COVID-19 cases, with new cases also being recorded in Siparuta and New Amsterdam in Region Six.

A total of 10 positive COVID-19 cases were recorded in Orealla, while its sister village, Siparuta now has 45 cases; 10 cases were also recorded in New Amsterdam.

Orealla and Siparuta are located seven miles apart and are governed by the same village council, which had restricted movements between the two communities in an effort to prevent the spread of the disease after Siparuta first reported 16 positive cases on Saturday last.

Siparuta has also recorded two COVID-19 related deaths – an 87-year-old man who died while receiving treatment at a medical facility on Tuesday and the first patient, an 89-year-old man, who died on November 21 at the Skeldon Hospital. To date, Region Six has recorded a total of six COVID-19 deaths.

While health authorities are continuing to monitor the COVID-19 situation in both communities, Minister of Health, Dr Frank Anthony recently said a lockdown will not be necessary in Siparuta at this time to curb the spread of the dreaded disease.

The total number of tests done in both communities within the last few days is 514.

Testing is ongoing, as well as stringent contact tracing, throughout the region.

Recently, 116 persons from the region were arrested for not wearing a face mask, hosting a social activity and attending a social activity, while a few were also arrested for breaching the current 10:30pm to 4pm curfew.

Region Six has recorded 156 COVID-19 cases as of Wednesday, November 25.