Statement by Chief Medical Officer Dr. Sharon Belmar-George:
Today, Saturday October 24, 2020 the Ministry of Health and Wellness received confirmation of four new cases of COVID-19. This brings the total number of cases diagnosed to date in country to 52.Two of the four new cases were identified through the contact tracing process and were already in quarantine. This brings the total number of active confirmed cases currently isolated in care to 25.
Case number 49 is a 35 year old female, a close contact of case number 39 identified through the contact tracing process and placed in quarantine. She is currently asymptomatic and from the Gros-Islet district. Case number 50 is a 40 year old female who accessed care at one of the Respiratory Clinic with signs and symptoms of COVID-19. She is from the Gros-Islet district. Case number 51 is a 45 year old female who accessed care at one of the Respiratory Clinic with signs and symptoms of COVID-19. She was placed in quarantine. She is from the Vieux-Fort district.
Case number 52 is a 46 year old female, a close contact of case number 37 identified through the contact tracing process and placed in quarantine. She is from the Castries district.
The Ministry of Health and Wellness is aware that the sudden spike in cases has raised alarm and created tremendous concern among our citizens. This is indeed understandable. However, it is important that we all remain focused on sticking to infection prevention and control measures. By so doing, even if we unknowingly come into contact with someone who is infected with the virus, our adherence to the recommended measures can protect us and others from the infection. By keeping to the infection prevention and control guidelines the spread of virus from one person to another can be stopped.
The Ministry of Health makes a strong appeal to everyone that if you are experiencing respiratory symptoms which include cough, sore throat, fever, please promptly seek care at the closest respiratory clinic.
We are now in the midst of the traditional Jounen Kweyol weekend. However, this year we need to make a small sacrifice for the benefit of all, by limiting our celebration to members of our household. By so doing, we will be protecting the health of everyone.
