Today, Tuesday, June 22, the Ministry of Health and Wellness received confirmation of 9 new cases of COVID-19 from the Ezra Long Laboratory. This is from a batch of 287 samples that were taken from June 19 to June 21. These samples were all processed on Monday, June 21.

These newly diagnosed individuals were seen at various community respiratory clinics, where they were assessed and tested for COVID-19. In keeping with the national COVID19 testing protocol, they were each 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 newly diagnosed individuals is underway.

The Ministry of Health and Wellness has also received news of the recovery of 10 individuals, bringing the total number of active cases in country to 63. The overwhelming majority of our active cases are doing well, however, 2 patients currently require treatment in the intensive care unit. The new positives bring the total number of cases diagnosed in country to date to 5227.

The Ministry of Health and Wellness regrets to announce that there have been five new COVID-19 related deaths on the island, bringing the total number since the start of the pandemic to 84. Death number 80 is a 60 year old female from Dennery. Death number 81 is a 54 year old male from Castries. Death number 82 is a 76 year old male from Gros Islet. Death number 83 is a 92 year old female from Castries. Death number 84 is an 84 year old female from Soufriere.

As of yesterday, June 21, a total of 30,123 individuals have received the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine and 21,214 of those have also received the second dose. The COVID-19 vaccination drive caters to individuals 18 years and older for the first dose of the vaccine as well as individuals receiving the second dose of the vaccine.

The Ministry encourages all residents of Saint Lucia to get vaccinated to protect themselves, their family, and the wider society. The Ministry reminds the public that it is critical that they continue practicing the infection prevention and control measures that are critical to minimizing 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.