BREAKING: Saint Lucia records three new COVID-19 cases

Statement by Chief Medical Officer Dr. Sharon Belmar-George

The Ministry of Health received confirmation this morning Thursday, October 22, 2020 of three confirmed case of COVID-19. This brings the total number of cases diagnosed to date in country to forty-two.

Case number 40 is a 42 year old male from the Micoud district; case number 41 is a 29 year old female from Castries and case number 42 is a 58 year old female from the Babonneau district.

All cases presented at Community Respiratory Clinics with respiratory symptoms and were tested and placed in quarantine pending the results. Upon receiving their results they have all been transferred to the Respiratory Hospital for care. This brings to 15 the total number of confirmed cases currently isolated for care.

During this week it has been noted that the new cases are being captured from a wider range of communities nationally pointing to the existence community spread of COVID-19. If you are experiencing respiratory symptoms which include cough, sore throat, fever we appeal to you to promptly seek care at the closest respiratory clinic. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should not be within the work place or involved in social activities.

The Ministry of Health once more reminds every citizen of the importance of consistently practicing infection prevention and control measures

• Ensure a mask is always used while in public
• Follow the floor markers in public spaces to maintain the recommended physical distance. Where floor markers are not available as a guide, the separation from the next person should be about two arm’s length apart
• Wash and sanitize hands often throughout the day
• If experiencing flu-like symptoms seek medical care immediately at the closest respiratory clinic

The Ministry of Health and Wellness will continue providing updates as new information becomes available.