Today Saturday March 6, 2021 the Ministry of Health and Wellness received confirmation of 23 new cases of COVID-19 from the Ezra Long Laboratory. These results are from a batch of 172 samples taken during the period March 3, 2021 to March 5, 2021. These samples were processed on March 5, 2021.
These individuals were seen at various respiratory clinics in communities 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 awaiting receipt of their test results. Arrangements have been made to place these new cases into isolation. The contact tracing for these individuals is underway. The new cases bring the total number of cases diagnosed in country to date to 3866.
Confirmation was also received of the recovery of 108 individuals bringing the total number of active cases in country to date to 253. Presently, two of the active cases are requiring critical care at the Respiratory Hospital.
The Ministry of Health has commenced the roll-out of the COVID-19 vaccination drive which is running smoothly. At present, Phase 1A and 1B is on-going in various communities where high risk frontline workers, people with non-communicable diseases NCDS and the elderly are getting vaccinated. Yesterday, March 5, 2021 a total of 2789 people received the COVID-19 vaccine. To date, Saint Lucia has vaccinated a total of 4883 people. Saint Lucians are encouraged to get vaccinated to protect themselves, family, friends and others from the COVID-19 virus.
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.