Saint Lucia records 17 new cases of COVID-19; 13 recoveries
Tuesday, March 23, 2021
by Ministry of Health
THE TOTAL NUMBER OF ACTIVE CASES IS NOW 124.

Today Tuesday March 23, 2021 the Ministry of Health and Wellness received confirmation of 17 new cases of COVID-19 from the Ezra Long Laboratory. These results are from a batch of 189 samples taken during the period March 18 to March 21, 2021. The samples were processed on March 22, 2021.

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

Confirmation was also received of the recovery of 13 individuals diagnosed with COVID-19. This brings the total number of active cases currently recorded in country to date to 124. At present, 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 4149.

Today, the Ministry of Health also reports two COVID-19 related deaths bringing the total number of deaths in country to date to 57. Death #56 is a 65 year old male from the Choiseul district with underlying medical illnesses. Death #57 is 70 year old female from the Castries district with underlying medical illnesses. Both of these individuals were in care at the time of their passing. The Ministry of Health expresses condolences to the families and loved ones of these gentlemen.

The Ministry of Health is pleased to announce that as of yesterday March 22, 2021 a total of 20, 482 individuals have received the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine in Saint Lucia. The public is reminded that the COVID-19 vaccination drive for individuals who are homebound due to age, illness or immobility continues this week March 22, 2021 to March 26, 2021. These individuals are encouraged to make an appointment at their nearest Community Wellness Center to receive the vaccine at home.

Let us all continue to adopt the behaviors necessary 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.