Saint Lucia records 16 new cases of COVID-19

Today Tuesday March 16, 2021 the Ministry of Health and Wellness received confirmation of 16 new cases of COVID-19 from the Ezra Long Laboratory. These results are from a batch of 100 samples taken during the period March 13 to March 15, 2021. The samples were processed on March 15, 2021.

All of these individuals were assessed and tested for COVID-19 at various community respiratory clinics. In keeping with the COVID-19 testing protocol, they were each placed in home quarantine by healthcare practitioners while awaiting receipt of their COVID-19 test results. The Ministry of Health has since made arrangements to place these newly diagnosed cases in isolation. The contact tracing for these new cases is currently underway.

Confirmation was also received of the recovery of 58 individuals diagnosed with COVID-19. This brings the total number of active cases currently recorded in country to date to 161. At present, two of the active cases require critical care at the Respiratory Hospital. The new cases bring the total number of cases diagnosed in country to date to 4069.

As of yesterday, March 15, 2021, a total of 19, 053 individuals have received the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine in Saint Lucia. The public is reminded that during this week, March 15, 2021 to March 19, 2021, the COVID-19 vaccination drive will cater to individuals who are homebound due to age, illness or immobility. These individuals are encouraged to make an appointment at their nearest Community Wellness Center to receive the vaccine at home.

Let us all continue to place emphasis on practicing the infection prevention and control measures to minimize the spread of COVID-19: – Wash your 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 you are experiencing flu-like symptoms, keep away from others and seek medical care The Ministry of Health and Wellness will continue providing updates to the public as new information becomes available.