Today, Friday, June 25, the Ministry of Health and Wellness received confirmation of 12 new cases of COVID-19 from the Ezra Long Laboratory. This is the second consecutive day in which twelve new cases were recorded, with the current ones coming from a batch of 223 samples that were taken from June 22 to June 24. These samples were all processed on Thursday, June 24.

These newly diagnosed individuals were seen at various community respiratory clinics, where they were assessed and tested for COVID-19. In keeping with the national COVID-19 testing protocol, they were each placed in home quarantine by healthcare practitioners while awaiting receipt of their COVID-19 test results. Arrangements have since been made to place them in isolation. The contact tracing for these newly diagnosed individuals is underway.

The Ministry of Health and Wellness has also received news of the recovery of 12 individuals, meaning the total number of active cases in country remains at 74. All 74 active cases are doing well and none of them currently require treatment in the intensive care unit. The new positives bring the total number of cases diagnosed in country to date to 5262.

As mentioned in a previous press release, the Epidemiology Department of the Ministry of Health and Wellness is currently undertaking a review of the database of COVID-19 deaths in Saint Lucia. The Chief Medical Officer will provide a press statement when that process has been completed. 

As of yesterday, Thursday, June 24, a total of 30, 462 individuals have received the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine and 21, 568 of those have also received the second dose. The COVID-19 vaccination drive caters to individuals 18 years and older for the first dose of the vaccine as well as individuals receiving the second dose of the vaccine.

The Ministry encourages all residents of Saint Lucia to get vaccinated to protect themselves, their family, and the wider society.

The Ministry reminds the public that it is critical that they continue practicing the infection prevention and control measures that are critical to minimizing the spread of COVID-19. - Wash your hands frequently using soap and flowing water - Wear a mask in public places and ensure it covers the mouth, chin and nose - Maintain a physical distance from others - Use a bleach solution to sanitize frequently touched surfaces and frequently handled objects - Avoid contact with other people who have flu-like symptoms - If you are experiencing flu-like symptoms, keep away from others and seek medical care.

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