Covid-19 update: Commissioner Gedeon confirms circulation of SA, UK and Indian variant |25 June 2021

Dr Gedeon and Dr Louange during the press update yesterday (Photo: Thomas Meriton)

Based on whole genome sequencing test results on samples collected up to May 24, Public Health Commissioner Jude Gedeon yesterday affirmed the circulation of three variants of concern of Covid-19 in the country, namely, the Beta variant originating from South Africa, the Alpha variant originating from the United Kingdom (UK), and the Delta variant which originates from India, and which was first observed in Seychelles in May 2021.

During a press update held yesterday afternoon, Dr Gedeon explained that variants of concern have been demonstrated to increase in transmissibility or detrimental change in Covid-19 epidemiology, increase in virulence or change in clinical disease presentation, or decrease the effectiveness of public health and social measures or available diagnostic vaccines therapeutics.

He also noted that it is almost impossible to determine the source of the variants, elaborating further to note that the Beta variant was predominant in the sequenced samples from February 2021 going forward.

The Alpha variant has been detected in 170 countries while the Beta variant is circulating in 119 territories. The most recently designated Delta variant has thus far been detected in 85 countries the world over.

“What we are observing is that the majority of infections is not among visitors entering the country, but most of the infections are among Seychellois within the communities,” Dr Gedeon said.

“We cannot therefore say that the situation is improving, as even if it appears in certain places that there is a tendency towards improvement, if considered on a national-scale, the tendency is still persisting, meaning sustained community transmission,” Dr Gedeon stated, urging responsibility at all levels of society to curb community transmission.

Although testing facility is presently limited within the ministry, Dr Gedeon stated that the ministry laboratories are in talks with suppliers overseas to acquire genome testing kits to be able to detect the variants contracted by patients.

He however noted that the kits are primarily for surveillance purposes to be able to detect the rate of infection for each variant, towards better informed responses. The laboratory presently has mutation panels to detect some of the variants.

Up until Wednesday June 23, there are 1424 active cases of Covid-19, bringing the total number of cumulative cases to 15,116, since the first case was registered in Seychelles in March 2020. Up until the same date, the total number of deaths reached 63, three of whom were fully vaccinated persons, and all with underlying health problems.

According to records held by the ministry, 43 deaths were recorded on Mahé, 3 on La Digue and 17 on Praslin.

Based on the seven day running average, the reality is fairly similar to the past couple of weeks, indicating an upward trend in infection rates, and community transmission. Despite the surge of cases over the month of May, and the circulation of more virulent strains, admissions have slightly lowered, said chief executive of the Health Care Agency, Dr Danny Louange.

As such there are 13 patients receiving treatment at the Family Hospital, Perseverance, five of whom are in critical condition and in the Intensive Care Unit. Of the five, four are being supported to breathe through invasive ventilators and all are aged below 60 years. A further 22 are at the New Coastguard Hospital, five in isolation at the Coastguard facility, as well as five patients who have tested positive and are isolating in their respective wards at the Seychelles Hospital, two on the pediatric ward and three on the maternity ward.

The treatment facility at Baie St Anne Praslin currently holds six patients, five of whom are experiencing mild symptoms, while the other patient is being transported to Mahé for specialised treatment. A further 10 persons on Praslin are in isolation at the Villa Veuve facility, while on La Digue, 21 are isolating at the Pension Fund facility and four at the Indian Ocean Lodge. Ile du Swet is holding 24 patients.

Laura Pillay