Saint Lucia records 2 new COVID-19 related deaths

Saint Lucia records 2 new COVID-19 related deaths

Today Monday January 25, 2021 the Ministry of Health and Wellness received confirmation of thirty-five new cases of COVID-19 from the Ezra Long Laboratory. Saint Lucia also received confirmation of the recovery of nine individuals diagnosed with COVID-19 bringing the total number of active cases in country to 436. All of the active cases are currently stable and doing well. The new cases now bring the total number of cases diagnosed in country to date to 921.

All of the thirty-five cases are Saint Lucian nationals who range in age from 12 years to 70 years. They are from the Castries, Micoud, Gros-Islet, Dennery and Vieux-Fort districts. All of these individuals visited a community respiratory clinic for assessment and to be tested for COVID-19. They were placed in quarantine by health care practitioners while awaiting their COVID-19 test results in accordance with the national testing protocol. Arrangements have since been made to place these individuals in isolation. The contact tracing team is undertaking investigations to identify the contacts of these confirmed cases.

Today January 25, 2021 Saint Lucia also recorded two COVID-related deaths bringing the total number of deaths to date to thirteen. These two individuals are a 60 year old male and a 63 year old male both from the Castries district. They were both enrolled in care when they passed away. The Ministry of Health extends sympathies to the loved ones of both of these gentlemen on their loss.

The Ministry of Health reminds all who are awaiting test results that they must remain in quarantine until contacted by a health care worker. All results, both negative and positive, must be communicated via telephone to the individual prior to release from quarantine.

Let us continue to practice the infection prevention and control measures to reduce the spread of the virus:

• Frequently wash hands your with flowing water and soap
• Wear a mask when in public places and ensure it covers the mouth, nose and chin
• Maintain a six foot distance from others wherever possible
• Use a bleach solution to sanitize frequently touched surfaces and frequently handled objects
• Avoid contact with other people who have flu-like symptoms

If you are experiencing flu-like symptoms, it is important to keep away from others and to urgently seek medical care at your closest community respiratory clinic for assessment.

The Ministry of Health and Wellness will continue providing updates to the public as new information becomes available.

For more information please contact the Office of the Chief Medical Officer or the Epidemiology Unit, at 468-5309/468-5317 respectively