Saint Lucia records 22 new cases of COVID-19

Today Sunday March 14, 2021 the Ministry of Health and Wellness received confirmation of 22 new cases of COVID-19 from the Ezra Long Laboratory. These results are from a batch of 148 samples taken on March 12 and March 13, 2021. The samples were processed on March 13, 2021.

The twenty two individuals were seen at various community respiratory clinics and were assessed and tested for COVID-19. These individuals were placed in home quarantine by healthcare
practitioners while awaiting their COVID-19 test results. This action is in keeping with the COVID-19 testing protocol. The Ministry of Health has since made arrangements to place these newly diagnosed cases in isolation. The contact tracing for these new cases is currently underway.

Confirmation was also received of the recovery of 19 individuals diagnosed with COVID-19. This brings the total number of active cases currently recorded in country to date to 203. At present, two of the active cases are requiring critical care at the Respiratory Hospital. The new cases bring the total number of cases diagnosed in country to date to 4053.

The Ministry of Health also reports four COVID-19 related deaths bringing the total number of deaths in country to 55. Death #52 is a 47 year old male from the Micoud district. Death #53 is an
87 year old female from the Laborie district. Death #54 is a 66 year old male from the Castries district. Death #55 is a 64 year old female from the Castries district. All of these individuals had underlying medical illnesses and were all in care at the time of their passing. The Ministry of Health expresses condolences to the families and loved ones on the passing of these individuals.

The Ministry of Health is pleased to announce that as of yesterday March 13, 2021 Saint Lucia has vaccinated a total of 18, 488 individuals. The public is reminded that during the week March 15, 2021 to March 19, 2021, the COVID-19 vaccination drive will cater to individuals who are homebound due to age or immobility. These individuals are encouraged to make an appointment at their nearest Community Wellness Center to receive the vaccine at home.

As the Ministry of Health continues to manage the COVID-19 pandemic, the public is advised to continue taking personal responsibility to protect themselves, family and others, especially the
vulnerable. The Ministry of Health reminds all of the importance of adopting behaviors that can reduce our exposure to the COVID-19 virus. We all need to continue practicing the infection prevention and control guidelines of hand hygiene, use of a face mask in public covering the mouth, nose and chin, maintaining a distance from others and using a bleach solution to sanitize frequently touched surfaces and handled objects. If you are experiencing flu-like symptoms, keep away from others and seek medical care at your closest community respiratory clinic.

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