Saint Lucia Nears 5000 Active COVID-19 Cases as 5th Wave Plateaus

As of January 23, 2022 Saint Lucia has diagnosed a total of 19,680 cases in country, with 4,233 active cases presently. The daily infection rate for the last 7 days is 164.4 per 100,000 population per day which represents a 10% reduction from last week, with a 39% average testing positivity rate and a transmission rate of 3.1. We have noted a total of 318 COVID-19 deaths. We have 53 positive cases admitted at the Respiratory Hospital, 1 case is critically ill and 5 are severely ill.

Since the commencement of the 5th wave on December 16, 2021, 6,551 cases have been diagnosed with an average of 172 cases per day. Women account for 59% of the COVID-19 cases. 22 COVID-19 deaths have been recorded of which 59% is accounted for by male. Tourists account for 2% of the cases diagnosed for the past 7 days. The prevalence increase is noted both in the northern and southern regions of the island.

This week although daily cases continue to be high, the seven day average approximation suggests a leveling off pointing to the plateau in the epidemiological curve. We are beginning to see reductions in some of the public health indicators. We have not received gene sequencing results from CARPHA as yet although we suspect the presence for the Omicron variant which is characterized for the high level of transmission and we still have the Delta Variant in circulation locally.

The high number of COVID-19 cases on a daily basis noted at this point has the capacity to increase hospitalizations, deaths 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, 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 vaccine is also available for persons who have been fully vaccinated 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.