 As of December 26, 2021, St. Nushahar's diagnosed a total of 13,319 cases in country, with 204 active cases presently. The daily infection rate for the past seven days is 11.6 per 100,000 population per day with a 7% testing positivity rate and a transmission rate of 1.9. We have noted a total of 292 COVID-19 deaths. We have 18 positive cases admitted at the respiratory hospital. Two cases are critically ill and two are severely ill. We note increases in most of our public health indicators over the last seven days. The transmission rate, the test positivity rate, increased active cases and the epidemiological wave depicts the upward trajectory of the start of the fifth wave. We are at high risk of introduction of the American variant which is characterized with a high level of transmission and we still have the Delta variant in circulation locally. December is our highest risk month for COVID-19 transmission. We understand the COVID-19 fatigue experienced by the population at this time and the nature of the festive season. However, it is imperative at this point that we reduce the level of social activities and ensure compliance to all of the public health measures. Health and safety must be our priority. The Ministry of Health, Wellness and Early Affairs also received a notification from the Caribbean Public Health Agency of 20 new cases of the Delta variant. 14 of the cases are nationals and six are visitors. The majority of the local cases are from Ancillary and Dennery. 13 of them are female, seven are male and the age ranges from three months to 77 years. A total of 54 cases of the Alpha variant and 71 cases of the Delta variant have been diagnosed in country thus far. We remind you of the following important measures. Avoid large crowds and crowded areas. Ensure the protocols are maintained at workplaces, on minibuses and commercial and tourism sector. Use face masks when in public places. Ensure you remain in quarantine or isolation if you are direct contact of a case. If you develop respiratory symptoms, seek medical care and avoid contact with others. The Pfizer AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson vaccines are available at the various wellness centers and advertised sites. These vaccines have been proven to be safe and effective in protecting persons from developing COVID-19. It's severe forms, complications, hospitalizations and death. The booster Pfizer vaccine is also available for persons who have had both doses of the AstraZeneca for over six months. Everyone who has not been vaccinated is urged to get vaccinated urgently. The Ministry of Health Wellness will continue providing updates to the public as new information becomes available.