Foreigners Account for 26% of COVID-19 Cases

Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Sharon Belmar-George: As of January 2, 2022 Saint Lucia has diagnosed a total of 13, 816 cases in country, with 362 active cases presently. The daily infection rate for the last 7 days is 37.6 per 100,000 population per day, with a 14% testing positivity rate and a transmission rate of 2.9. We have noted a total of 301 COVID-19 deaths. We have 24 positive cases admitted at the Respiratory Hospital, 1 case is critically ill and 8 are severely ill.

Since the commencement of the 5th wave on December 16, 2021, 686 cases have been diagnosed with an average of 40 cases per day. Women account for 56% of the cases and 6 COVID-19 deaths have been recorded. Tourists account for 26% of the cases. The prevalence increase is noted both in the northern and southern regions of the island.

We continue to note increases in most of the public health indicators over the last 7 days, the transmission rate, test positivity rate, increased active cases as we manage the 5th wave in country. We have increased surveillance for the Omicron variant which is characterized for the high level of transmission and we still have the Delta Variant in circulation locally.

This increased transmission on COVID-19 noted at this point has the capacity to increase hospitalizations, death and productivity in the work place. We appeal to all organizations, public and private sector to ensure the strengthening of all public health protocols.

The Ministry of Health reminds you of the following important measures:

– Avoid large crowds and crowded areas

– If you develop respiratory symptoms, seek medical care and avoid contact with others. Avoid large meetings and crowded activities and social gatherings

– Ensure the protocols are maintained at all work places and sectors, on minibuses and commercial and tourism sector, gyms, hardware stores, supermarkets and recreational activities

– Ensure safe physical distancing for face to face meetings and activities

– Use of face mask when in public places

– Ensure regular cleaning of surfaces and sanitation of all business establishments and environments

– Ensure you remain in quarantine or isolation if you were a direct contact of a case or a member of your household is positive

– Limit social activities at work

– Encourage vaccination of employees

The Pfizer, Astra Zeneca and Johnson and Johnson vaccines are available at the various wellness centers and advertised vaccination sites. These vaccines have been proven to be safe and effective in protecting persons from developing COVID-19, its severe forms, complications, hospitalizations and death. The booster Pfizer vaccine is also available for persons who have had both doses of the Astra Zeneca for over 6 months. Everyone who has not been vaccinated is urged to get vaccinated urgently.

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