SAINT Lucia continues to make strides in its COVID-19 management strategy recording 31 active cases to date, 243 recoveries, 17,801 tests conducted and four deaths. Presently there are no critical cases in care and no new cases were reported yesterday.
āWe take the opportunity to acknowledge the communities, business sector, faith based organizations, hospitality industry and other partners that continue to support the national effort in the management of COVID-19.,ā a release from the Ministry of Health and Wellness stated.
The Ministry of Health and Wellness says it continues to monitor both the global and regional situational analysis assessing Saint Luciaās risks and making recommendations.
āWe note the steady rate of increase in cases in most countries as they experience their second wave. We continue to monitor closely and we learn from the best practices implemented as we strengthen the existing protocols. As countries open their borders, and social and economic activity increases, the risk for transmission also increases. Saint Lucia, just like the rest of the world remains at high risk for the introduction of COVID-19. Our main risks include increased number of returning nationals and visitors from areas of high incidence of disease, illegal entry through the borders, non-adherence of protocols, breaches to home quarantine and hosting of mass crowd social events,ā the release stated.
According to the Ministry every visitor, returning national and illegal entrants must be managed as a possible positive COVID-19 case.
āIt is imperative that we remain vigilant at this time to keep ourselves and our families safe. As we celebrate the Christmas season, let us all remain on alert and continue to play our part to protect the health and safety of our family, friends, colleagues and neighbours. We ask all to minimize their movements, avoid social gatherings and other activities which will bring about greater exposure to the virus. Let us continue practicing the infection prevention and control measures to minimize the spread of COVID-19,ā the Ministry noted calling on Saint Lucians to:
Wash their hands during the day using soap and flowing water; wear a mask in public places and ensure it covers the mouth, chin and nose; maintain a distance of six feet from others; use a bleach solution to sanitize frequently touched surfaces and frequently handled objects; avoid contact with other people who have flu-like symptoms and if experiencing flu-like symptoms, keep away from others and seek medical care at the closest community respiratory clinic.