THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH ALSO REPORTS TWO NEW COVID-19 DEATHS.
Today Monday August 9, 2021 the Ministry of Health and Wellness received confirmation of 76 new cases of COVID-19 from the Ezra Long Laboratory. These results are from a batch of 179 samples taken on August 7, 2021 and August 8, 2021. The samples were processed on August 8, 2021.
All of these new cases were seen at various community respiratory clinics where they were assessed and tested for COVID-19. In keeping with the COVID-19 testing protocol, these individuals were placed in home quarantine by healthcare practitioners while awaiting receipt of their COVID-19 test results. Arrangements have since been made to place them in isolation. The contact tracing for these new cases is currently underway.
The Ministry of Health also reports two new COVID-19 deaths. To date, the total number of COVID-19 deaths in country is 65 and the total number of COVID-19 related deaths is 27. COVID-19 death #64 is a 66 year old male from the Dennery district. COVID-19 death #65 is a 61 year old female from the Castries district. The Ministry of Health extends condolences to the families, friends and loved ones of these individuals.
Confirmation was also received today of the recovery of 16 individuals diagnosed with COVID-19. This brings the total number of active cases currently recorded in country to date to 350. Presently, three 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 5813.
As of August 7, 2021 a total of 32, 810 individuals have received the first dose of the vaccine and 25, 543 individuals have received the second dose of the vaccine. Tomorrow Tuesday, August 9, 2021 the health team will be administering the COVID-19 vaccine at the Beanfield Secondary School and the Gros-Islet Human Resource Center from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The COVID-19 vaccination drive will cater to the general population (18 years and older) for the first dose of the vaccine as well as individuals receiving the second dose of the vaccine.
The Ministry of Health notes that at present the number of active COVID-19 cases in Saint Lucia is very high and concerning. We continue to advise everyone to continue adhering to the protocols and adopt behaviors which will help to reduce the spread of the virus. It is important that persons with respiratory signs and symptoms avoid crowds and contact with others. If you are experiencing respiratory signs and symptoms, please visit any of the five respiratory clinics to access testing. The five respiratory clinics are the Vieux-Fort Wellness Center, Soufriere Hospital, Dennery Hospital, La Clery Wellness Center and the Gros-Islet Polyclinic.
Let us all continue practicing the infection prevention and control measures to protect ourselves and others from the COVID-19 virus: – 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.
Due to the increase in COVID-19 cases, the Office of the Prime Minister will soon be announcing the changes to the present protocols which will come into effect from August 13, 2021 to August 31, 2021.
