On Wednesday March 17, 2021 the Ministry of Health and Wellness received confirmation from the Ezra Long Laboratory of 14 new cases of COVID-19. These results are from a batch of 189 samples taken during the period March 14 to March 16, 2021 and were processed on March 16, 2021.
All of these fourteen individuals were seen at various community respiratory clinics where they were assessed and tested for COVID-19. In keeping with the COVID-19 testing protocol, these individuals were placed in home quarantine by healthcare practitioners while awaiting the return of their COVID-19 test results. The Ministry of Health has since made arrangements to place these newly diagnosed cases in isolation. The contact tracing for these new cases is currently underway.
Confirmation was also received of the recovery of 17 individuals diagnosed with COVID-19. This brings the total number of active cases currently recorded in country to date to 158. Presently, two of the active cases require critical care at the Respiratory Hospital. The new cases bring the total number of cases diagnosed in country to date to 4083.
As of yesterday, March 16, 2021, a total of 19, 263 individuals have received the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine in Saint Lucia. The public is reminded that during this week, March 15, 2021, to March 19, 2021, the COVID-19 vaccination drive will cater to individuals who are homebound due to age or immobility. These individuals are encouraged to make an appointment at their nearest Community Wellness Center to receive the vaccine at home.