Saint Lucia records 8 news cases of COVID-19

SAINT LUCIA RECORDS CASES #98 TO #105 OF COVID-19

Today, Wednesday November 4, 2020 the Ministry of Health received confirmation of eight new cases of COVID-19. This brings the total number of cases diagnosed in country to date to 105.

• Case #98 is a 33 year old female from the Micoud district
• Case #99 is a 36 year old female from the Soufriere district
• Case #100 is a 45 year old male from the Babonneau district
• Case #101 is a 4 year old female from the Vieux-Fort district
• Case #102 is a 4 year old female from the Vieux-Fort district
• Case #103 is a 54 year old female from the Laborie district
• Case #104 is a 55 year old female from the Laborie district
• Case #105 is 50 year old male from the Gros-Islet district

All of the cases, following testing for COVID-19, were placed in quarantine awaiting their test results. Four of these cases were identified through the contact tracing process and epidemiological links have been established for three cases.

Case #98 is linked to case #55, #77 and #92. Cases #101 and #102 are linked to case #68. Cases #103 and #104 were identified through the community outreach activity undertaken in Laborie. As per protocol, arrangements have been made for the transfer of these individuals into care at the Respiratory Hospital.

The new cases now bring the number of active cases currently in country to 73. All cases remain stable and there is no cases requiring critical care.

As we continue to record new cases of COVID-19 in country, it is important that we all make a special effort to keep ourselves well. Be sure to eat balanced meals which are low in fat, salt and added sugars. Make time for physical activity daily; this can include having a walk, swimming, or even backyard gardening. Remain hydrated by drinking water throughout the day. These daily health habits will help build the body’s ability to fight off infectious illnesses. If you are living with a chronic condition these guidelines also apply to help in keeping your condition under control. With that we also encourage you to take any prescription medications as prescribed. Do not skip doses and ensure you always have a month’s supply available to ensure you do not run out of medication.

We ask that while we intensify our response that we all continue to practice the guidelines to reduce the exposure to the virus:

• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or use an alcohol based hand sanitizer when handwashing is not possible
• Every time you are in public be sure to wear a mask
• Maintain a separation of six feet from others which is about two arm’s length apart
• Seek medical care if experiencing respiratory symptoms which include fever, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat

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