Saint Lucia records 35 new cases of COVID-19
Wednesday, May 19, 2021
by Ministry of Health
THE TOTAL NUMBER OF ACTIVE CASES IS 244.

The Ministry of Health and Wellness today Wednesday May 19, 2021 received confirmation of 35 new cases of COVID-19 from the Ezra Long Laboratory. This is from a total of 243 samples taken during the period May 15, 2021 and May 17, 2021. These samples were processed on May 18, 2021.

All of these individuals were seen in community at various 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 the return of their test results. Arrangements have since been made to place these newly diagnosed individuals in isolation. The contact tracing for these new cases is underway.

Confirmation was also received of the recovery of 4 individuals bringing the total number of active cases in country to date to 244. At present, one of the active cases is requiring critical care at the Respiratory Hospital. The new cases bring the total number of cases diagnosed in country to date to 4906.

As of May 18, 2021 a total of 26, 905 individuals have received the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine and 17, 301 individuals have received the second dose. Tomorrow Thursday, May 20, 2021 the health team will be administering the COVID-19 vaccine at the Vigie Sports Complex and the Phillip Marcellin Grounds. This COVID-19 vaccination drive will cater to general population (18 years and older) for the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine as well as individuals for the second dose of the vaccine.

The Ministry of Health notes the increase numbers of COVID-19 cases and therefore calls on the general public to take all the necessary measures and to adopt behaviors to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Let us all continue practicing the infection prevention and control measures to combat this COVID-19 pandemic.

  • -  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.