Today Friday July 30, 2021 the Ministry of Health and Wellness received confirmation of 14 new cases of COVID-19 from the Ezra Long Laboratory. These results are from a batch of 173 samples taken during the period July 26, 2021 to July 29, 2021. The samples were processed on July 29, 2021.
These newly diagnosed individuals were seen at various community respiratory clinics where they were assessed and tested for COVID-19. In keeping with the COVID-19 testing protocol, they were placed in home quarantine by healthcare practitioners while awaiting receipt of their COVID-19 test results. Arrangements have since been made to place these individuals in isolation. The contact tracing for these new cases is currently underway.
The Ministry of Health also reports one new COVID-19 death. To date, the total number of COVID-19 deaths in country is 52 and the total number of COVID-19 related deaths is 37. COVID-19 death #52 is a 97 year old female from the Dennery district. The Ministry of Health sympathizes with the family, friends and loved ones of this individual.
Confirmation was also received of the recovery of 14 individuals diagnosed with COVID19. This brings the total number of active cases currently recorded in country to date to 119. Presently, two of the active cases are requiring critical care at the Respiratory Hospital. The new cases bring the total number of cases diagnosed in country to date to 5581.
As of July 29, 2021 a total of 32, 237 individuals have received the first dose of the vaccine and 24, 602 individuals have received the second dose of the vaccine. The Ministry of Health encourages individuals 18 years and older to get vaccinated to protect ourselves, family, friends and others. People can access the COVID-19 vaccine at any of the wellness centers around the island and are asked to call or walk in to make an appointment. The public is reminded that COVID-19 vaccine is available free of charge to the public.
Saint Lucians are reminded to remain vigilant as we are still at high risk for the introduction of COVID-19 variants of concerns. Everyone is asked to continue adhering to the public health measures put in place. These include regular handwashing, wearing a face mask in public covering the mouth, nose and chin, keeping frequently touched surfaces clean, maintaining a distance from others and avoiding crowds and persons with respiratory symptoms. Individuals with respiratory symptoms are asked to visit any of the five Community Respiratory Clinics that is the Vieux-Fort Wellness Center, Dennery Hospital, Soufriere Hospital, La Clery Wellness Center and the Gros-Islet Polyclinic.
The Ministry of Health and Wellness will continue providing updates to the public as new information becomes available.