Saint Lucia has recorded the first death due to COVID-19. Prime Minister Allen Chastanet made the announcement moments ago during a statement in Parliament.
He did not provide specific details but stated: “Mr. Speaker before I begin, it’s very sad for me to say that we just experienced our first death due to COVID-19. I guess the CMO will make the announcement later this afternoon. We do have, sad to say, two persons who are critical. We’re certainly hoping that we’re able to turn the corner with both of them. But again, a day that we had attempted to avoid, sadly, we’ve now joined the rest of the world and experienced our first death due to COVID.
“And for some persons out there who continue to want to think that this is not real, this is real! This is real! And persons who may have thought that COVID doesn’t spread fast, it spreads fast. Very fast. And the only solution that we have to the problem right now is practicing the protocols. We’ve seen citizens around the world that do this with the greatest amount of discipline, have the greatest amount of results. And if there is conflict in continuing to have a divide within our society as to whether this is real, and whether in fact wearing your face mask matters, it does,” Chastanet said.
5:00 PM UPDATE: Chief Medical Officer Dr. Sharon Belmar-George issued the following statement about an hour after Chastanet’s announcement:
The Ministry of Health today, Tuesday November 10, 2020, received confirmation of its first COVID-19 death in country. The individual is a 47 year old male from the Micoud District. He presented at one of our hospitals due to the complications of underlying medical conditions where he was treated and being managed for these issues. As part of his care, he was also assessed and swabbed for COVID-19 and his results returned today as positive for the virus. Investigations and contact tracing in relation to this case are currently on-going.
The Ministry of Health extends our greatest sympathies to his family and loved ones. This is indeed a difficult time for them all and this loss is also being felt by us within the Ministry of Health. The Ministry of Health and Wellness will continue providing updates as information becomes available.
For more information please contact the Office of the Chief Medical Officer or the Epidemiology Unit, at 468-5309/468-5317 respectively.
