 As of June 8, 2022, St. Luciahurst diagnosed a total of 26,250 cases of COVID-19 in country with 492 active cases presently. The daily infection rate for the last 7 days is 28.3 per 100,000 population per day, with a 29% average testing positivity rate and a transmission rate of 1.3. We have noted a total of 370 COVID-19 deaths. We have 18 positive COVID-19 cases admitted at the respiratory hospital. One is critically ill and two are severely ill. This past week, we continue to register cases daily. We note increases in our public health indicators. As we continue to note the return to normalcy with the opening up of events and activities, we need to ensure that the proven public health protective measures are in place to protect us from getting sick and to protect the most vulnerable. The public is reminded that the threat of COVID-19, long COVID and its complications still exist, especially given our below average immunization rate in country. Personal responsibility is extremely important at this time to reduce transmission of infection to ourselves and our family. The public is guided to continue the use of face masks in public, ensure hand washing and proper general sanitization. The public is also advised to use their discretion, ensure they and their vulnerable family members are fully vaccinated and boosted before attending mass crowd events. The public is also reminded that as we commence the rainy season, this also corresponds to increases in vector-borne diseases such as dengue fever and leptospirosis. The Ministry of Health has intensified community and household visits, fogging operations and public education. The public is reminded to inspect around their households and communities for mosquito and rodent breeding grounds. The use of mosquito nets is also advised. We already note some areas on the island with high mosquito indices at this point. The Ministry of Health is closely monitoring the multi-country monkeypox outbreak globally and has increased surveillance and put measures in place to manage in country. Since May 13, 2022 to June 2, 2022, 780 lab confirmed cases have been reported from 27 member states not endemic for monkeypox. Of particular concern is that most of the confirmed cases reported a travel history to countries in Europe and North America. The risk is presently assessed as moderate by the World Health Organization as this is the first time that many monkeypox cases and clusters are reported concurrently in non-endemic and endemic countries. St. Lucia has not recorded any cases of monkeypox to date. The signs and symptoms of monkeypox includes a rash with macules, papules, vesicles, pastels and scabs, fever, enlarged lymph nodes, back pain and muscle pain. Testing for monkeypox in the region is facilitated through the Caribbean Public Health Agency. Patients with monkeypox are given symptomatic treatment such as antipyretics for fever and analgesics for pain. Nutrition and rehydration are particularly important. Some patients may develop severe and life-threatening complications. More information on these diseases of concern at this time will be provided in further updates. Thank you.