Saint Lucia records 16 new cases of COVID-19
Monday, May 17, 2021
by Ministry of Health
THE TOTAL NUMBER OF ACTIVE CASES IS 234.

Today Monday May 17, 2021 the Ministry of Health and Wellness received confirmation from the Ezra Long Laboratory of 16 new cases of COVID-19. These results are from a batch of 156 samples taken during the period May 14, 2021 to May 16, 2021. These samples were processed on May 16, 2021.

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

Confirmation was also received today of the recovery of 22 individuals diagnosed with COVID-19. This brings the total number of active cases currently recorded in country to date to 234. Presently, all of the active cases are doing well. The new cases bring the total number of cases diagnosed in country to date to 4858.

Today the Ministry of Health also reports one COVID-19 related death bringing the total number of deaths in country to date to 77. Death #77 is a 58 year old male from the Castries district with underlying medical illnesses. The Ministry of Health expresses sympathy to the family and loved ones of the individual.

As of May 15, 2021 a total of 26, 417 individuals have received the first dose of the vaccine and 16, 889 individuals have received the second dose of the vaccine. Tomorrow Tuesday, May 18, 2021 the health team will be administering the COVID-19 vaccine at the Daren Sammy Cricket Grounds and the Phillip Marcellin Grounds. The COVID-19 vaccination drive will cater to the general population for the first dose of the vaccine as well individuals receiving the second dose of the vaccine.

The Ministry of Health continues to emphasize on the importance of practicing the infection

prevention and control measures to minimize 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.

For more information please contact the Office of the Chief Medical Officer or the Epidemiology Unit, at 468-5309/468-5317 respectively.