(Ministry of Health and Wellness)- On Saturday, October 10, 2020 Saint Lucia recorded a new case of COVID-19. The individual is a 48 year old male national who accessed care at one of the Respiratory Clinics. He was placed at the Respiratory Hospital for care. As per protocol, he was swabbed and tested for COVID-19 and the test results returned positive. This brings the total number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Saint Lucia to date to 29. At this point of the investigation, the source of infection is not confirmed.
The Epidemiology Unit of the Ministry of Health has commenced contact tracing immediately in the communities. This process would aid in determining the source of infection. Commuters on public transportation on the 2H Castries-Vieux-Fort route are asked to pay particular attention to the following. The Ministry of Health is requesting anyone who travelled from the 2H Castries-Vieux-Fort route via minibus M481 during the period Monday, September 28, 2020 to Friday, October 9, 2020 to report to the following respiratory clinics for assessment and possible testing.
- La Clery Respiratory Clinic today Saturday, October 10, 2020 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
and tomorrow Sunday, October 11, 2020 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. - Vieux-Fort Respiratory Clinic today Saturday, October 10, 2020 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
and tomorrow Sunday, October 11, 2020 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. - Dennery Hospital today Saturday, October 10, 2020 from 12 p.m. to midnight and tomorrow Sunday, October 11, 2020 from 8 a.m. to midnight
The public is advised that all COVID-19 protocols still remain in effect. This includes the use of face masks in public places including while on public transportation. The five Community Respiratory Clinics remain open to the public to facilitate anyone with respiratory signs and symptoms or related concerns. The 311 Hotline is also available daily from 7 a.m. to midnight where concerns and questions on COVID-19 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 inner elbows when coughing and sneezing.
– adhering to the recommended physical distancing measures.
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.
