Health officials from the Ministry of Health continue to encourage citizens to trust in the science and facts provide by professionals as the island continues to battle against the COVID-19 virus.
Communication from the health ministry laments that there is increasing evidence that people with chronic diseases or compromised immune systems are at greater risk for developing complications of COVID-19 and death. āThe disease profile for St. Lucia forecasts increased hospitalizations and deaths if new spikes in cases are noted or new variants introduced.ā
According to health officials, āvaccination remains the most effective public health measure in managing infectious diseases. Saint Lucia like the rest of the region has noted that our fully vaccinated people have not been hospitalized nor died from COVID-19, to date.ā
The ministry noted that the Astra Zeneca vaccine has been proven to be safe and effective in protecting people from developing COVID-19 infection, particularly severe COVID-19 illness, its complications, hospitalization, and death related to COVID-19. āWe continue to urge every unvaccinated adult to access the various sites to receive COVID-19 vaccine at the soonest. Encourage your family, friends, colleagues, and community members to be immunized so each one of us can be protected from the virus.ā
āWe continue to advise the public to remain vigilant as the risk of the introduction of COVID-19 variants remains high. It is necessary to adhere to the protocols that are put in place to protect us from COVID-19 infection. These include regular hand washing, use of a face mask in public places covering the nose, mouth and chin, avoiding crowds, sanitizing frequently touched surfaces and keeping away from people if experiencing respiratory symptoms and seeking care immediately.ā
The Ministry of Health continued its appeal to the public, to prioritize health and safety at this time and take all measures to prevent the disease.