Her Majesty’s Government of Gibraltar regrets to confirm the death of a resident of Gibraltar from COVID-19, bringing the total number of COVID-19 related deaths in our community to 100. 

The deceased was a man aged 70-75 years old who had underlying health conditions and although he had been double vaccinated against COVID-19, he had not received his booster vaccine. He died earlier today of COVID-19 pneumonitis. This will be recorded in tomorrow’s statistics as a death from COVID-19. 

The Chief Minister Fabian Picardo said: ‘It is with great sadness that we must confirm the death today of a resident of Gibraltar from COVID-19. I would like to express my deepest condolences on behalf of the Government and People of Gibraltar to the family of the deceased man, who I knew well.

‘Today’s very sad news is, once again, a stark reminder of the worst consequences of COVID-19. It is clear that vaccination provides the best available protection against severe COVID-19, hospitalisation and death. In Gibraltar, our vaccination programme has proved extremely successful in reducing the number of infections and reducing the severity of infection.

‘However, there is now a significant amount of evidence that the efficacy of those initial doses has started to wear off, which is very concerning as we enter the winter month. To date, there have been no hospitalisations resulting from anyone who has received their booster vaccine. Everyone who is offered a booster dose , which is now being rolled out to all those aged 16 and over, is therefore strongly encouraged to take it. You can register for the booster vaccine on the following link: https://www.gha.gi/pfizerbooster/

‘If you have been offered the vaccine, declined it, and have now reconsidered, please do get in touch with us immediately to arrange an appointment. A successful rollout of booster vaccines will help us save lives and avoid further lockdowns. 

‘Whilst the vaccine offers us a greater level of protection against the virus that continues to be all around us, it is still important to take every precaution for the safety and wellbeing of yourself and your loved ones. Follow the advice of Public Health professionals, especially if you are close contact, and call 111 at the first onset of symptoms, no matter how mild they are.’ 

ENDS