PRESS RELEASE — Today Saturday August 28, 2021, the Ministry of Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs received confirmation of 181 new cases of COVID-19. These new cases are from a batch of 579 samples processed at the Ezra Long Laboratory on Friday August 27, 2021. The new total number of cases diagnosed in country to date is 8050.
The Ministry of Health also reports one new COVID-19 related death. To date, the total number of COVID-19 deaths in country is 71 and the total number of COVID-19 related deaths is 32. COVID-19 related death #32 is a 100 year old male from the Vieux-Fort district. The Ministry of Health sympathizes with the family and loved ones of this gentleman.
Confirmation has also been received of the recovery of 89 individuals diagnosed with COVID-19. This brings the total number of active cases currently to 1942. Presently, two of these active cases are in critical care at the Respiratory Hospital.
As we continue to manage the COVID-19 situation in country, the public is advised to adhere to all protocols stipulated by the Government of Saint Lucia. Everyone is asked to avoid social activities and continue practicing the infection prevention and control measures to reduce the spread of the virus. Also, anyone experiencing flu-like symptoms should avoid contact with others and visit a community respiratory clinic to get tested.
The Ministry of Health continues to encourage individuals to get vaccinated to protect themselves and others from the virus. Since the commencement of the Pfizer vaccine, 1,791 individuals have received the first dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine and 67 individuals received the second dose. The Astra Zeneca COVID-19 vaccine is still available at the various vaccination sites around the island. To date 34, 832 individuals have received the first dose of the Astra Zeneca COVID-19 vaccine and 27, 692 have received the second dose.