Saint Lucia records two new COVID-19 cases; number of active cases now at 38

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

Today, Tuesday October 27, 2020, the Ministry of Health and Wellness received confirmation of two new cases of COVID-19. This brings the total number of cases diagnosed in country to date to 65. There are presently 38 active cases isolated and in care.

Case number 64 is a 15 year old female from the Castries district.
Case number 65 is a 36 year old female from the Babonneau district.

Both of these cases were placed in quarantine while awaiting the results from their tests. Case number 64 was a contact of case number 43. It is important to note that we are all vulnerable to the COVID-19 virus no matter our age, gender, place of residence, or employment status. This virus can be contracted by anyone. However, by each person constantly keeping on guard and adhering to the guidelines for the prevention of infection, it is possible to remain safe even while living with COVID-19. It is possible to put a stop to the increasing number of cases if we do what works:

-wash and sanitize hands often daily
-wear a mask in public
-cover your sneeze and cough with a tissue or your inner elbow when tissue is not available
-maintain the six foot physical distance from the next person

Also, if you are experiencing respiratory symptoms, which include fever, cough, shortness of breath,
sore throat, promptly go to your closest Community Respiratory Clinic for care. The Ministry of Health and Wellness will continue providing regular updates as new information becomes available. For more information please contact the Office of the Chief Medical Officer or the Epidemiology Unit, at 468-5309/468-5317 respectively.