The Ministry of Health in an effort to improve the monitoring of persons on home quarantine will be using two electronic monitoring devices, the Amber wristwatch and the Bio Intellisense Biobutton.

The bio button is a disposable, one time use body sensor about the size of a coin, which will be worn on the left side of the chest. It is small and unnoticeable. 1. It monitors the vitals of quarantined persons who may be at high risk for developing COVID-19 2. It continuously provides the temperature, respiratory rate and heart rate measurements of the user 3. In so doing the device enables the early detection of potential cases.

The wrist watch resembles a smart watch. 1. Through the geofencing capability it ensures that persons wearing the device remain within the confines of their home as per home quarantine protocols. 2. Also allows for the monitoring of vitals of the quarantined individual should persons develop symptoms during their quarantine period, this would be detected by the Ministry of Health.

These devices must be purchased by all persons who have been granted home quarantine between the ages of 18 – 65 years.

The total cost of both devices is USD 175.00. That is USD $100 for the Bio Intellisense BioButton and USD $75 for the Amber wristwatch.

The Bio button is purchased when persons go on to the www.stlucia.org website to apply for travel to Saint Lucia. If you are a resident in the United States of America, the order can be placed to your residence or you can choose to pick up the device at the port of entry. If you are a resident outside of the United States, the device can be picked up at the port of entry on arrival.

However, the wristwatch is purchased at the port of entry on arrival.

All activities from these devices are monitored remotely in country. The bio button communicates via an app, which must be installed on the mobile phone of all persons granted home quarantine. The wrist watch communicates via GPS signaling.

These electronic devices provide multiple benefits to the Ministry of Health and to the individuals on home quarantine. 1. It improves the ability of the Ministry of health to monitor persons on home quarantine 2. It allows for more persons to be granted home quarantine 3. It allows for quicker response times by the Ministry of Health in the event that someone on home quarantine has developed any symptoms of COVID-19 4. Ensures improved compliance of persons on home quarantine 5. Improves data collection that enables better decision making 6. Improves contact tracing. Both of these devices will be installed by trained technicians at the ports of entry.

On completion of the 14 day quarantine cycle, the bio button can be discarded whilst the wristwatch can be removed at designated Wellness Centres in each Health Region.

The Ministry of Health looks forward to the continued support and understanding of the public as we seek to continue keeping Saint Lucia safe for all.