The Ministry of Health and Wellness, on Thursday March 18, 2021 received confirmation of 14 new cases of COVID-19 from the Ezra Long Laboratory. These results are from a batch of 94 samples taken during the period March 15 to March 17, 2021. The samples were processed on March 17, 2021.

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

Confirmation was also received of the recovery of 15 individuals diagnosed with COVID-19. This brings the total number of active cases currently recorded in country to date to 157. Presently, two of the active cases require critical care at the Respiratory Hospital. The new cases bring the total number of cases diagnosed in country to date to 4097.

As of yesterday March 17, 2021 a total of 19, 552 individuals have received the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine in Saint Lucia. The Ministry of Health reminds the public that it continues its COVID-19 vaccination drive catering to individuals who are homebound due to age, illness or immobility. These individuals are encouraged to make an appointment at their nearest Community Wellness Center to receive the vaccine at home.

The Ministry of Health reminds all of the importance of adopting behaviors that can reduce our exposure to the COVID-19 virus. We all need to continue practicing the infection prevention and control guidelines of hand hygiene, use of a face mask in public covering the mouth, nose and chin, maintaining a distance from others and use a bleach solution to sanitize frequently touched surfaces and handled objects. If you are experiencing flu-like symptoms, keep away from others and seek medical care at your closest community respiratory clinic.

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