PRESS RELEASE — Today Friday March 12, 2021 the Ministry of Health and Wellness received confirmation from the Ezra Long Laboratory of 23 new cases of COVID-19 from the Ezra Long Laboratory. These results are from a batch of 197 samples taken during the period March 8, 2021 to March 11, 2021. These samples were processed on March 11, 2021.
Twenty 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 three 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 into isolation. The contact tracing for these newly-diagnosed individuals is underway.
Confirmation was also received of the recovery of 5 individuals bringing the total number of active cases in country to date to 183. At present, three 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 3989.
Today the Ministry of Health also reports one COVID-19 related death bringing the total number of deaths in country to date to 48. Death #48 is a 58 year old male from the Castries district. The Ministry of Health expresses sympathy to the family and loved ones of this gentleman.
The Ministry of Health is pleased to announce that as of yesterday March 11, 2021 Saint Lucia has vaccinated a total of 14, 708 individuals. Everyone interested in getting vaccinated is encouraged to pre-register ahead of time via the online platform https://hmi.govt.lc/ or at the closest Community Wellness Centre.
Every citizen is reminded to continue practicing the recommended infection prevention and control measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19:
– Wash 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 experiencing flu-like symptoms, keep away from others and seek medical care