BREAKING: Saint Lucia records 26th COVID-19 case

(Department of Health & Wellness)- Results received on Tuesday, August 18, 2020 reveal that Saint Lucia has recorded a new case of COVID-19. The case is a 32 year old female who travelled from the United States of America (USA) and has been in government quarantine from arrival. She is stable and will be transferred to the Respiratory Hospital for care. This brings the total number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 to date to 26.

A total of 4,768 tests have been conducted to date.

As we manage new cases and investigate possible contacts, the public is advised to take personal responsibilities to protect themselves and family. We advise against mass crowd gatherings. We advise on responsible behavior without unnecessary panic. The public is advised that all protocols are still in place. These also include the use of face masks in public and maintaining safe physical distance from others.

We appeal to everyone to continue supporting our national effort to minimize the threat of COVID-19 on our island.

The five Respiratory Clinics remain open to facilitate anyone with respiratory signs and symptoms or concerns. The 311 Hotline is also available where concerns and questions can be addressed.

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.

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 468-5309/468-5325 respectively.