Saint Lucia records 6 new cases of COVID-19

Statement by Chief Medical Officer Dr. Sharon Belmar-George:

Today, Sunday November 1, 2020 the Ministry of Health received confirmation of six new cases of COVID-19. This brings the total number of cases diagnosed in country to date to a total of 84.

Case #79 is a 44 year old male from the Babonneau district

Case #80 is a 33 year old female from the Vieux-Fort district

Case #81 is a 65 year old female from the Castries district

Case #82 is a 4 year old male from the Vieux-Fort district

Case #83 is a 27 year old female from the Castries district

Case #84 is a 62 year old female from the Vieux-Fort district

All of the cases, following testing for COVID-19, were in quarantine awaiting their results. Five of these cases were identified through the contact tracing process. Epidemiological links have been established in five of these cases. Case #79 is linked to case #65. Cases #80, #82, and #84 are linked to case #59. Case #81 is linked to case #50. As per protocol, arrangements have been made for the transfer of these individuals into care at the Respiratory Hospital.

As we proceed into the coming week, the team at the Ministry of Health will continue contact tracing, testing, and placing cases in care. This week let’s be guided by the new advisories that were issued by the Government of Saint Lucia last week. We ask all who will be within their work environments, commuting via public transportation, going into public places to transact business or going through the routine daily activities, to have a level of awareness. Ensure in undertaking all activities that you remain aware of the need to act in ways that will reduce your risk of being exposed to the COVID-19 virus. Our behaviours to prevent exposure to the virus do not only benefit us personally. Our behaviours also benefit our families, colleagues, neighbours and friends. By taking responsibility for our health, we will be creating a safer, healthier environment for all and reducing the threat of COVID-19 in our country.

Let’s continue to practice the guidelines to reduce exposure to the virus:

• wash your hands frequently with soap and water or use an alcohol based hand sanitizer when handwashing is not possible
• every time you are in public be sure to wear a mask
• maintain a separation of six feet from others which is about two arm’s length apart
• seek medical care if experiencing respiratory symptoms which include fever, cough, short of breath, sore throat

All these measures, when done together, will greatly reduce the risk of exposure to the COVID-19 virus.

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

For more information please contact the Office of the Chief Medical Officer or the Epidemiology Unit, at 468-5309/468-5325 respectively.