Saint Lucia’s effort to contain COVID-19 continues to receive support from friendly governments and counterparts, both far and near. In recent days, this support was evident through acts of solidarity by our sister islands gifting of Saint Lucia with the Oxford AstraZeneca Vaccine produced by India. On Wednesday, February 10, 2021, Saint Lucia received 1000 doses of the vaccine from the Government of Barbados. On Thursday, February 11, 2021, a further 2000 doses were received from the Government of the Commonwealth of Dominica.
These donations will bolster the national COVID-19 vaccination campaign which shall be launched shortly by the Ministry of Health. The vaccines which have been received from regional counterparts shall be used in the rollout of the first phase of vaccination. The Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine is administered in two doses for gaining the required protection from the virus. As such these doses shall allow for the vaccination of 1500 frontline workers which include medical personnel, state security including the police, fire service, correctional officers and paramedics.
Sincere gratitude is extended to the Governments of Barbados and the Commonwealth of Dominica for these acts of generosity as we relentlessly continue efforts to protect our citizens from the impact of COVID-19. Through these acts of collective action and partnership, significant gains will be achieved for ending the COVID-19 pandemic.