On Monday, August 2, 2021 the Ministry of Health and Wellness received confirmation of 14 new cases of COVID-19 from the Ezra Long Laboratory. This is from a total of 180 samples taken during the period July 29, 2021 to August 1, 2021.

These samples were processed on August 1, 2021. These fourteen 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 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 new cases is underway.

Confirmation was also received of the recovery of 9 individuals bringing the total number of active cases in country to date to 164. Presently, two of the active cases are requiring critical care at the Respiratory Hospital. The new cases bring the total number of cases diagnosed in country to date to 5646.

As of July 29, 2021 a total of 32, 237 individuals have received the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine and 24, 602 individuals have received the second dose. Tomorrow Tuesday, August 3, 2021 the COVID-19 vaccination drive will be available at the Phillip Marcellin Grounds and the Gros-Islet Human Resource Center. People can also access the COVID-19 vaccine at the wellness centers around the island, by calling or walking in to make an appointment. 

The COVID-19 vaccination drive caters to the general population (18 years and older) for the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine as well as individuals receiving the second dose of the vaccine. Let us all make the decision to get vaccinated to protect ourselves and others from the COVID-19 virus.

The Ministry of Health continues to emphasize on the need for us all to play our part to reduce the exposure of the COVID-19 virus in Saint Lucia. Let us all take personal responsibility for our actions and continue to adhere to the public health measures. Let us make it our duty to protect ourselves by washing hands regularly, wearing a mask in public places, maintain a distancing from others and sanitizing frequently touched surfaces using a bleach solution. We are at a point in time where we should avoid crowds and keep away from others if experiencing respiratory symptoms.

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