The Ministry of Health and Wellness late Sunday March 21, 2021 received confirmation of 11 new cases of COVID-19 from the Ezra Long Laboratory. These results are from a batch of 189 samples taken on March 19, 2021 and March 20, 2021. These samples were processed on March 20, 2021.
Five of the cases are inmates from the Bordelais Correctional Facility. These individuals were assessed and tested for COVID-19 at the facility and were placed in quarantine awaiting receipt of their test results. Presently, these individuals have been placed in isolation.
The other six individuals are from the community and were seen at various respiratory clinics where they were assessed and tested for COVID-19. In-keeping with the national COVID-19 testing protocol, healthcare practitioners placed each of these individuals in home quarantine while awaiting the return of their test results. Arrangements have been made for the placement of these individuals in isolation. The contact tracing for these newly-diagnosed individuals is underway.
Confirmation was also received of the recovery of 34 individuals bringing the total number of active cases in country to date to 122. At present, two of the individuals diagnosed with COVID-19 are requiring critical care at the Respiratory Hospital. The new cases bring the total number of cases diagnosed in country to date to 4132.
As of Friday, March 19, 2021 a total of 20, 247 individuals have received the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine in Saint Lucia. The public is reminded that the COVID-19 vaccination drive for individuals who are homebound due to age, illness or immobility will continue this week March 22 to March 26, 2021. These individuals are encouraged to make an appointment at their nearest Community Wellness Center to receive the vaccine at home.
Every citizen is reminded to continue practicing the infection prevention and control measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19:
– Wash your hands frequently using soap and flowing water
– Wear a mask in public places and ensure it covers the mouth, chin and nose
– Maintain a physical distance 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