Today, Thursday, June 17, 2021, the Ministry of Health and Wellness received confirmation of 11 new cases of COVID-19 from the Ezra Long Laboratory. This is from a batch of 231 samples that were taken from June 14 to June 16. These samples were all processed on Wednesday, June 16.

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 COVID19 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 15 individuals, bringing the total number of active cases in country to 70. All active cases are currently doing well and none of them are situated in the intensive care unit. The new positives bring the total number of cases diagnosed in country to date to 5199.

As of yesterday, June 16, a total of 29,874 individuals have received the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine and 20,995 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.