SAINT LUCIA RECEIVES 48 NEGATIVE TEST RESULTS

As of June 11, 2020, the World Health Organization reported a total of 7, 273, 958 confirmed cases of COVID-19 globally with 413, 372 deaths. Within the region of the Americas there was a total of 3, 485, 245 cases. The Ministry of Health and Wellness recently received the results of 48 COVID-19 tests conducted, all of which returned as negative.

To date, Saint Lucia has recorded a total of 19 confirmed cases of COVID-19 with 18 of those cases having fully recovered. We have conducted a total of 1, 312 tests to date. Saint Lucia continues to receive repatriated nationals including students, cruise ship workers and residents who were stranded during the border closure. These individuals are all required to undergo the 14 day quarantine and testing is done as per protocol.

As many countries around the world continue to ease their restrictions, it is likely that cases will increase in the region. The Ministry of Health and Wellness therefore advises that the public
remains alert and avoids becoming complacent. We must reduce the transmission of COVID-19
by ensuring that we all adhere to the physical distancing and infection prevention and control
measures. In addition, we ask that persons access the health services at the community respiratory clinics if he/she experiences signs and symptoms of respiratory illness. The public is once again reminded to avoid participating in large social gatherings.

As always, we ask that everyone continues to sanitize their hands by either hand washing or using an
alcohol-based hand sanitizer, wearing their masks while undertaking daily activities out of the home
and maintain the required 6 foot distance. Also, be sure to cover mouth and nose with disposable
tissues or clothing when coughing and sneezing. These simple and inexpensive actions will make a
meaningful difference in preventing the spread of infection.

The Ministry of Health and Wellness will continue providing regular updates on COVID-19. For more information please contact the Office of the Chief Medical Officer or the Epidemiology Unit, at 468-5309/468-5317 respectively