 The Ministry of Health and Wellness has noted a total of 5,652 cases diagnosed in country from March 2020 to present and 62 COVID-19 deaths with 27 COVID-19 related deaths. Over the last 14 days, 142 new cases were noted and we have 168 active cases in country. The daily infection rate for the past week was 5.8 per 100,000 per day and an average of 10.6 cases per day. The Ministry of Health is working to strengthen the public health system in anticipation of increased cases in the month of August and we are also preparing for the possible impact of the likely introduction of the Delta variant which is present in the Caribbean region in countries such as Martinique, Barbados and Antigua. To date, the Delta variant has not been identified in St. Lucia, however, we continue to send samples on a monthly basis for gene sequencing. Only the Alpha variant has been identified in country with a total of 51 cases thus far. The Delta variant has been identified in 11 Caribbean countries. They make up over 90 percent of the cases in the UK and over 80 percent of the cases in the US and France. The transmissibility is increased to over 97 percent as compared to the regular strain. The Delta variant is characterized for more severe disease, complications, hospitalizations and deaths. Preliminary evidence shows twice the rate of hospitalizations for unvaccinated persons and over a thousand times the viral load. Vaccines are still effective against the Delta variant in controlling the disease, transmission, reducing hospitalizations, severe disease and deaths. Vaccination remains the most effective public health measure in managing infectious diseases. The AstraZeneca vaccine has been proven to be safe and effective in protecting persons from developing COVID-19. It forms complications, hospitalizations and death. The Ministry of Health, we continue to urge the public to access the various sites to get immunized as soon as possible. Let us encourage our colleagues, our family members, our friends to get immunized from early so we can be protected against COVID and the Delta variant. We continue to advise the public to remain vigilant. The risk of introduction of the variants of concern is high given their presence in the countries around us. Everyone should adhere to the protocols that are put in place to keep us safe. These include regular hand washing, proper use of face masks in public places, avoiding crowds and persons with respiratory symptoms and keeping frequently touched surfaces clean. The Ministry of Health as usual, we will continue providing updates as new information becomes available.