Over the New Year’s weekend from December 31st and January 3, 2021 the Ministry of Health received confirmation of seven new cases of COVID-19. This is from a total of 271 COVID-19 tests conducted by the Ezra Long Laboratory during this period. This brings the total number of cases diagnosed in country to date to 360.
Three of the cases are non-nationals.
Case #354 is a 31 year old male
Case #355 is a 3 year old male
Case #356 is a 37 year old female
These individuals have since been placed in isolation.
The other four cases are Saint Lucian nationals
Case #357 is a 21 year old female from the Anse La Raye district
Case #358 is a 34 year old male from the Castries district
Case #359 is a 21 year old female from the Castries district
Case #360 is a 22 year old male from the Castries district
They were seen at a community respiratory clinic, where they were assessed and tested for COVID-19. While awaiting receipt of their test results, they were placed in quarantine by a health practitioner. An epidemiological link has been established for one of these cases. Investigations are on-going by the contact tracing team to determine the possible existence of a link for the other three cases. Arrangements have been made to place these individuals into isolation.
The Ministry of Health also reports three recoveries over the New Year’s weekend. This brings the number of active cases in country to 61. At present, all of the active cases are stable and none are in critical care.
During the Holiday Season, the Ministry of Health and RSLPF was alerted on numerous breaches of protocols which increases the risk of transmission in our communities. These include breaches to home quarantine, large social activities and events, non-adherence to mask use protocols in public places. We also noted breaches from the Tourism sector of guests attempting to leave approved accommodation sites.
The Ministry of Health and Wellness is working to strengthen the surveillance system to detect and to manage anticipated increases in COVID-19 numbers of the next 14 days. The public is advised to take personal responsibility to protect themselves and family.
Everyone is asked to continue practicing the recommended infection prevention and control guidelines to reduce the spread of the virus.
– Wash your hands often 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
– If you are experiencing flu-like symptoms, keep away from others and seek medical care at the closest community respiratory clinic
The Ministry of Health and Wellness will continue providing updates as new information becomes available.