PRESS RELEASE — Today Saturday August 14, 2021 the Ministry of Health and Wellness received confirmation of 93 new cases of COVID-19 from the Ezra Long Laboratory. These results are from a batch of 394 samples taken on August 12, 2021 and August 13, 2021. The samples were processed on August 13, 2021.
These newly diagnosed 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, they were placed in home quarantine by healthcare practitioners while awaiting receipt of their COVID-19 test results. Arrangements have since been made to place these individuals in isolation. The contact tracing for these new cases is currently underway.
Confirmation was also received today of the recovery of 11 individuals diagnosed with COVID-19. This brings the total number of active cases currently recorded in country to date to 668. Presently, four of the active cases are requiring critical care at the Respiratory Hospital. The new cases bring the total number of cases diagnosed in country to date to 6287.
As of yesterday August 13, 2021 a total of 33, 657 individuals have received the first dose of the vaccine and 26, 309 individuals have received the second dose of the vaccine. On Monday August 16, 2021 the health team will be administering the COVID-19 vaccine at the Vigie Sports Complex and the Soufriere Hospital Grounds from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. People can also access the COVID-19 vaccine at the various wellness centers around the island and can call or walk in to make an appointment.
The Ministry of Health notes that to date, that 100% of COVID-19 hospitalizations in country are unvaccinated individuals. Also, 100% of the COVID-19 deaths/ COVID-19 related deaths are unvaccinated individuals, to date. It is extremely important adults 18 years and older get vaccinated to protect themselves against the COVID-19 virus, especially the Delta variant. The COVID-19 vaccine is safe, effective and protects against the severe form, hospitalization, complications and deaths from the COVID-19 virus. The COVID-19 vaccine is readily available and free of charge for everyone. Let us all adults make the right decision to get vaccinated to limit community transmission and reduce the risk of deaths.
As the COVID-19 virus continues to move through the Saint Lucia population with the Delta variant now being present, it is extremely important that everyone adhere to the protocols. Everyone should make it a priority to practice the infection prevention and control measures to reduce the spread of the virus. These include washing hands frequently with soap and flowing water, wearing a mask in public places and ensuring it covers the mouth, chin and nose, maintaining a physical distance from others, using a bleach solution to sanitize frequently touched surfaces. If you are experiencing flu-like symptoms, keep away from others and seek medical care at the closest community respiratory clinic. These respiratory clinics are the Vieux-Fort Wellness Center, Soufriere Hospital, Dennery Hospital, La Clery Wellness Center and the Gros-Islet Polyclinic.