Saint Lucia records 41 new cases of COVID-19

Today January 14, 2021 the Ministry of Health received confirmation of forty one new cases of COVID-19. This brings the total number of cases diagnosed in country to date to 543.

All of the cases are Saint Lucian nationals ranging in age from 5 years to 84 years. They are from the Castries, Vieux-Fort, Babonneau, Dennery, Anse La Raye, Micoud and Gros-Islet districts.

These individuals were seen at a community respiratory clinic, where they were assessed and tested for COVID-19. They were placed in quarantine by health practitioners pending the receipt of their test results. Arrangements have been made to place these individuals into isolation. At present, the contact tracing team is in process of undertaking investigations as it relates to those cases.

The Ministry of Health also reported two recoveries for today, January 14, 2021. There are currently 216 active cases, with one of them requiring critical care and the other active cases are stable.

The Ministry of Health advises the public that the increasing number of confirmed COVID-19 cases which have been recorded recently coincide with increased risk of spread of the virus during the Christmas season. The recent numbers reflect the reduction in adherence to COVID-19 guidelines, inclusive of close social interactions in the festive season which increased the risk of exposure to the virus. Today January 14, 2021 is exactly fourteen days since the celebration of the New Year which also marks the completion of a full incubation period for the virus, which health officials have been monitoring from the start of this year. The Ministry anticipated capturing increased cases of COVID-19 at this point in time as a result of increased risk of exposure that occurred during the recent New Year festivities.

We cannot afford to reduce our vigilance as this provides greater opportunity for further spread of the virus. Given our current trend in increased cases being confirmed in country we again remind everyone that it is necessary to continue practicing the infection prevention and control measures to reduce the spread of the virus.

• Frequently wash hands 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, keep away from others and seek medical care at your closest community respiratory clinic for assessment.

The Ministry of Health and Wellness will continue providing updates 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