BREAKING: CMO announces that thus far all contacts of Saint Lucia’s 27th COVID-19 case have tested negative

(Ministry of Health & Wellness)- On Tuesday, September 8, 2020 Saint Lucia recorded a new case of COVID-19. The individual was a 27 year old male visitor who arrived in Saint Lucia on Sunday, September 6, 2020. On the evening of Wednesday, September 9, 2020 the visitor was repatriated to the United States via private airline.

On receipt of the notification from the Ezra Long Laboratory the confirmed case was immediately isolated and contact tracing commenced. The investigation consisted of interviews, contact tracing, screening and testing as required of possible contacts. These contacts included the passengers from the flight seated in proximity to the case (two rows in front and two rows to the back), port personnel, taxi driver, hotel employees and guests.

The tests done in all contacts of the visitor thus far are all negative. Investigations and contact tracing by the health team at the hotel on Wednesday, September 9, 2020 has indicated that the transmission risk was low thus far. The adherence by the hotel’s management and staff to the recommended protocols has resulted in low exposure during the limited period of his stay.

Saint Lucia has recorded a total of 27 confirmed cases of COVID-19, with zero deaths. A total of 7,391 tests have been conducted to date. As more sectors open and restrictions reduced, the public is advised to take personal responsibility to protect themselves and family.

We continue to increase surveillance to reduce risks such as illegal entry at borders, breaches to home quarantine, and non- adherence to protocols. We continue to advise on the importance of maintaining the standard recommendations for infection prevention and control which include:

– regular hand washing with soap and water or alcohol based hand sanitizer where soap and water is not available.

– cover mouth and nose with disposable tissues or clothing when coughing and sneezing.We appeal to everyone to continue supporting our national effort to minimize the threat of COVID-19 on our island.

The Ministry of Health will continue providing further updates on COVID-19.For more information please contact the Office of the Chief Medical Officer or the Epidemiology Unit, at 468-5309/468-5317 respectively.