CAYMAN
ISLANDS (March 14, 2020) – Health City Cayman Islands is reporting
that the Cayman Islands’ first recorded COVID-19 positive patient
passed away at 4:40am on Saturday 14 March.

The
68-year-old man was being treated in isolation at the tertiary care
facility’s Medical Intensive Care Unit (MICU).

The
patient was traveling on a cruise ship when he was admitted to Health
City in critical condition for urgent cardiac treatment on February
29. On the way to the Cayman Islands, the patient had two cardiac
arrests and was resuscitated. He had a prior medical history of
cardiac issues. On arrival in George Town, he was rushed by ambulance
to Health City.

He underwent
cardiac treatment, and began his recovery with no COVID-19 symptoms.
After six days of his primary treatment, he developed a dry cough.
Although he had no other COVID-19 symptoms – such as other flu-like
complaints or a fever, based on World Health Organization (WHO)
guidelines, a sample was taken and sent to the Caribbean Public
Health Agency (CARPHA) for testing.

The sample was
sent for testing on Monday, 9 March and came back as positive on
Thursday, 12 March 2020.

“We extend our
sincere condolences to this patient’s family. Despite best efforts,
he passed away this morning. His passing seems to fit the profile of
COVID-19 in that elderly patients with underlying health issues are
most likely to succumb to the virus,” Dr. Binoy Chattuparambil,
Clinical Director of Health City Cayman Islands said.

According to the
World Health Organization (WHO), “While we are still learning about
how COVID-2019 affects people, older persons and persons with
pre-existing medical conditions (such as high blood pressure, heart
disease, lung disease, cancer or diabetes) appear to develop serious
illness more often than others.”

Dr.
Chattuparambil advised members of the public to remain calm in the
wake of the patient’s death.

“The patient’s
death does not increase the risk to the general public in anyway. He
was an older patient with pre-existing health issues who would be
more greatly impacted by the disease than the vast majority of
people. We continue to urge everyone to follow standard
precautionary measures against contracting the virus, including
regular hand-washing and practicing good respiratory hygiene,” he
said.

According to the
WHO website, illness due to COVID-19 infection is generally mild,
especially for children and young adults. However, it can cause
serious illness: about 1 in every 5 people who catch it need hospital
care.

Dr.
Chattuparambil reiterated that the wife of the patient remains in
quarantine, and has been tested. Her test results should be received
in the next 2 to 3 days. She was informed of her husband’s death by
phone in order to preserve quarantine.

He continued, “We
would like to assure the public that all necessary precautions to
contain the virus have been put in place within our facility.”

The
hospital has also quarantined staff members and their families who
would be at direct risk. These individuals have also been tested for
the COVID-19 virus, with results to be received shortly.
Additionally, the hospital remains closed to new patients for the
next two weeks as a virus containment measure.

Dr.
Chattuparambil also noted that Health City is working closely with
Cayman Islands Government health officials on daily updates regarding
the local COVID-19 situation and will issue further updates as soon
as any new information is available.

He advised the
public to continue to take all necessary precautions against
contracting the coronavirus. The risk can be reduced by implementing
personal protective measures, such as frequent hand washing, covering
nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, avoiding close contact with
people suffering from acute respiratory illnesses and avoiding large
social gatherings.

Individuals who
develop any flu-like symptoms such as fever, cough, runny nose etc.,
are advised to contact the Cayman Islands Public Health Department at
flu@hsa.ky or via the flu hotline at 1-800-534-8600.

For more
information about how to protect yourself from acquiring COVID-19,
visit www.hsa.ky/coronavirus
and www.gov.ky/coronavirus

About
Health City Cayman Islands

Health
City Cayman Islands, the vision of renowned heart surgeon and
humanitarian Dr. Devi Shetty, is supported by Narayana Health, one of
India’s largest private healthcare systems. Health City, only the
second hospital in the Caribbean to receive the Joint Commission
International's "hospital accreditation", provides
compassionate, high-quality, affordable healthcare services in a
world-class, comfortable, patient-centered environment. Offering
healthcare to local, regional and international patients, Health City
Cayman Islands delivers excellence in adult and pediatric cardiology,
cardiac surgery, cardiac electrophysiology, medical oncology,
orthopedics, sports medicine, pediatric endocrinology,
gastrointestinal, hepato-pancreato-biliary and bariatric surgery,
neurology, interventional neurology and neuro-diagnostics,
neurosurgery, minimally invasive spine surgery, gynecology, urology,
pediatric allergies, colorectal surgery, dental, sleep lab and
pulmonology services.

For
further information, visit www.healthcitycaymanislands.com.

ENDS