Saint Lucia recorded first pediatric COVID-19 death, 3 year old female

14th February 2022

By Ministry of Health

The daily infection rate for the last 7 days is 28.1 per 100,000 population per day which represents a 55% reduction from last week, with a 37% average testing positivity rate and a transmission rate of 1.6. We have noted a total of 348 COVID-19 deaths. We have 28 positive cases admitted at the Respiratory Hospital, and 2 are severely ill. Since the commencement of the 5 th wave on December 16, 2021, 8,992 cases have been diagnosed with an average of 152 cases per day. Women account for 58%of the cases and 52 COVID-19 deaths have been recorded 65% of which is male.

The majority of the deaths are COVID-19 related due to other associated chronic health conditions. Tourists account for 3.4%of the cases diagnosed for the past 7 days but 4.7% of the total cases during the 5th wave. Although the cases diagnosed are noted island-wide, the main areas affected are Castries, Gros Islet, Vieux-Fort and Babonneau. Saint Lucia has recorded the first pediatric COVID-19 death. A three year old female child with serious underlying medical conditions from Babonneau was admitted at the Respiratory Hospital on January 27, 2022 and passed away on February 8, 2022.

The Ministry of Health expresses sincere condolences to the family affected at this time. To date, cases below 18 years of age make up 10-13% of COVID-19 cases. These cases have been mild and have recovered well. The main risk factors for severe COVID-19 in children include chronic lung disease, neurological disorders, cardiovascular disease, premature and airway abnormality.

We continue to note reductions in the public health indicators and the downward trend in the epidemiological curve. We forecast to be within the normal country threshold by the third week towards the end of February 2022. The cases of COVID-19 noted on a daily basis still have the capacity to increase hospitalizations, deaths and affect productivity in the workplace. We appeal to all organizations, public and private sector to ensure the strengthening of all public health protocols.

As we strive to live safely with COVID-19, the Ministry of Health is in the process of reviewing and updating all protocols in collaboration with the various stakeholders. Presently, the AstraZenenca COVID-19 vaccine is temporarily unavailable on island and a shipment is expected soon. However, the Pfizer and Johnson and Johnson vaccines are available at the various wellness centers and advertised vaccination sites. These vaccines have been proven to be safe and effective in protecting persons from developing COVID-19, its severe forms, complications, hospitalizations and death.

The booster vaccine is also available for persons who have been fully vaccinated for over 6 months. Everyone who has not been vaccinated is urged to get vaccinated urgently. Further updates will be provided as 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.