As of March 20, 2022 Saint Lucia has diagnosed a total of 22, 890 cases in country, with 17 active cases presently.
The daily infection rate for the last 7 days is 2.9 per 100,000 population per day which represents a 49% reduction from last week, with a 3% average testing positivity rate and a transmission rate of 0.3. We have noted a total of 366 COVID-19 deaths. We have 4 positive COVID-19 cases admitted at the Respiratory Hospital, 1 case is severely ill.
Although this past week we continue to register low numbers of cases, we are presently at the baseline point in the epidemiological curve and the public health indicators are within normal range. Globally the COVID-19 cases are increasing. Over 21 million new cases were reported across the 6 WHO regions representing the highest number of weekly cases recorded since the beginning of the pandemic. We also note the major outbreak in neighboring Martinique at this time. The sub lineages of Omicron BA.1 and BA.2 are still transmitting intensely across the globe. The number of new deaths globally have remained stable.
These increases are due to misinformation on the end of the COVID-19 pandemic and the total lifting of public health measures especially in countries with low vaccination coverage.
The Ministry of Health is monitoring the global and regional situation, ensuring surveillance measures remain in place. As we live safely with COVID-19, we continue working with the various sectors to reduce restrictive measures safely.
We continue to ensure our testing capacity and capacity for treatment and care remains available.
The Ministry of Health reminds you of the following important measures as COVID-19 continues to be a threat:
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– Avoid large crowds and crowded areas
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– If you develop respiratory symptoms, seek medical care and avoid contact with others. Avoid
large meetings and crowded activities and social gatherings
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– Ensure the protocols are maintained at all work places and sectors
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– Ensure safe physical distancing for face to face meetings and activities
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– Use of face mask when in public places
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– Ensure regular cleaning of surfaces and sanitation of all business establishments and
environments
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– Ensure you remain in quarantine or isolation if you were a direct contact of a case or a member of
your household is positive
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– Limit social activities at work
We note low vaccination uptake at this time. The Pfizer, Astra Zeneca and Johnson and Johnson vaccines are available at the various Wellness Centres. These vaccines have been proven to be safe and effective in protecting persons from developing COVID-19, its severe forms, complications, hospitalizations and death. The booster vaccine is also available for persons who have been fully vaccinated for over 6 months. Everyone who has not been vaccinated is urged to get vaccinated urgently.
We appeal to all organizations, public and private sector to ensure the maintenance of the public health protocols. Let us strive to sustain the low number of COVID-19 cases as we live, work, study and recreate safely with COVID-19.
For more information please contact the Office of the Chief Medical Officer or the Epidemiology Unit, at 468-5309/468-5317 respectively
