THE HAGUE - The number of SARS-CoV-2 infections is increasing on the CAS-BES islands. In the week of July 15 to 21, 2021, 646 people on the Caribbean islands received a positive SARS-CoV-2 test result, the majority of which in Curaçao and Aruba. The number of hospital admissions on the islands is still low. The Dutch National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) reports this on its website.
In Aruba, 58 people per 100,000 inhabitants received a positive SARS-CoV-2 test result last week, an increase compared to a week earlier (33/100,000 on July 15). There are currently 4 hospitalizations, 2 of which are in the COVID-ICU. In week 27, kiemsurveillance again shows cases of the delta variant on the island (40%). Several cases of the delta variant were also detected in the local kiemsurveillance, indicating an increase in the local transmission of this variant (32% in week 26).
The number of SARS-CoV-2 infections on Bonaire is increasing. Last week, 108 people per 100,000 inhabitants received a positive SARS-CoV-2 test result, a doubling compared to a week earlier (56/100,000 on July 12). The percentage of people who tested positive was 11% last week. The island signals an increase in the number of import cases from the Netherlands. In addition, a number of new clusters have been reported, including in schools and in the workplace. Until recently, the alpha variant was dominant on the island (100% at week 26). From local kiemsurveillance, based on PCR technology, the delta variant was detected on the island (88.2% from 17 samples at week 28).
In Curaçao, 310 people per 100,000 inhabitants received a positive SARS-CoV-2 test result, an alarming increase compared to a week earlier (105/100,000 on July 15). The increase in the number of new infections in recent days can be related to several clusters, including a nightlife, beach clubs, a student house and the naval base. In the past two weeks, almost 50% of the infections have been in the age group 19-24 years. That is a shift from previous outbreaks; more younger individuals are now becoming infected. The majority of these are not (fully) vaccinated. In addition, the delta variant was detected on the island in week 26. This island also sees an increase in the number of import cases, especially among travelers from the Netherlands and Cuba. There is currently 4 hospitalized in the COVID nursing ward.
On St Maarten, 63 people per 100,000 inhabitants received a positive SARS-CoV-2 test result last week, an increase compared to a week earlier (42/100,000 on July 15). There are currently 2 hospital admissions, all in the COVID nursing ward. Surveillance shows a lower circulation of the alpha variant on the island (28.6% week 27). The delta variant also seems to be spreading locally (71.4% week 27). The incidence on the French side of the island remains relatively high (144/100,000 inhabitants at week 27) and a new cluster has been registered on the French side within the professional environment.
No active SARS-CoV-2 infections have been reported on Saba since 11 May 2021. Since 28 January 2021, no new persons with a positive SARS-CoV-2 result have been reported on St. Eustatius.
