 Chief Medical Officer Dr. Sharon Belmar George Minister for Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs Hon. Moses Jabatist has welcomed the decline in the transmission rate as encouraging, noting that the adherence to protocols is having the desired impact. As such Hon. Jabatist is urging the public to continue to follow the measures and take the necessary steps to become vaccinated. I extend heartfelt condolences to the families of all those who have passed away as a result of COVID-19 or COVID-19 related illness. It is a difficult time for you and may God grant you and your families strength and peace. At this stage, we note the overall reduction in the transmission rate. But as the medical professionals have explained, we are still at a critical phase and we cannot let our guard down. We must ensure that we continue to bring down the transmission rate. After discussions and dialogue with the members of the COVID-19 Management Center, the decision was made to extend the COVID-19 protocols currently in place until the end of September. We hope by that time amended protocols will include benefits for fully vaccinated individuals. The government continues to urge you to get vaccinated and will intensify our efforts to make the vaccine available to you in the best way possible. The extended protocols shall commence on Wednesday, September 22nd, 2021 and end on Thursday, September 30th, 2021. The COVID-19 protocols are the same as the last two weeks. Health Minister Hon. Moses Jabatist