On Thursday, July 22, 2020 the Ezra Long Laboratory of the Owen King EU hospital reported that from a batch of 60 tests conducted, there was one positive case of COVID-19. The individual is a 59 year old female who arrived in Saint Lucia on July 10, 2020. Upon return to Saint Lucia, she was placed in institutional quarantine and was tested seven (7) days later as per quarantine protocol. Upon receipt of the results, the individual has been transferred to the respiratory hospital for isolation and related supportive care. She is currently doing well.
The Ministry of Health was also informed by St. Vincent’s Health Ministry of a Saint Lucian national who travelled to St Vincent and the Grenadines on Sunday, July 19, 2020 and after screening, was tested positive for COVID-19. Currently, we are investigating the matter and in the process of undertaking contact tracing for this individual. The Ministry of Health once again reiterates the importance of quarantine for returning nationals and visitors as it is a great measure in minimizing the risk of transmitting COVID-19.
It is with this, we ask people to adhere to the 14 day quarantine time and for those in home quarantine to stay there for the full period of time. This action is expected to protect the health and safety of every individual within our country. We appeal to everyone to continue supporting our national effort to minimize the threat of COVID-19 on our island.
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.
– using a mask when in public along with maintaining the six feet physical distance
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
