Saint Lucia records 24 new cases of COVID-19 and 1 death

17th May 2021

By Ministry of Health

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The Ministry of Health and Wellness late Sunday May 16, 2021 received confirmation of 24 new cases of COVID-19 from the Ezra Long Laboratory. This is from a batch of 142 samples taken during the period May 11, 2021 to May 14, 2021. These samples were processed on May 15, 2021.

These individuals were seen at various community respiratory clinics 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 while awaiting receipt of their COVID-19 test results. Arrangements have since been made to place them in isolation. The contact tracing for these new cases is underway.

Confirmation of the recovery of 5 individuals diagnosed with COVID-19 bringing the total number of active cases in country to date to 240. Presently, two of the active cases require critical care at the Respiratory Hospital. The new cases bring the total number of cases diagnosed in country to date to 4842.

The Ministry of Health also reports one COVID-19 related death bringing the total number of deaths in country to date to 76. Death #76 is a 54 year old female from the Castries district with underlying medical illness. The Ministry of Health extends condolences to the family and loved ones of this individual.

As of May 15, 2021 a total of 26, 417 individuals have received the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine and 16, 889 individuals have received the second dose. Today Monday, May 17, 2021 the health team will be administering the COVID-19 vaccine at the Vigie Sports Complex and the Soufriere Hospital Grounds from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The COVID-19 vaccination drive caters to the general population for the first dose as well individuals receiving the second dose of the vaccine.

The Ministry of Health reminds everyone to be mindful of the importance of adopting habits that can reduce our exposure to the COVID-19 virus. Let us all continue practicing the infection prevention and control guidelines. These include hand hygiene, use of a face mask in public covering the mouth, nose and chin, maintaining a distance from others and using a bleach solution to sanitize frequently touched surfaces and handled objects. If you are experiencing flu- like symptoms, keep away from others and seek medical care at your closest community respiratory clinic.

The Ministry of Health and Wellness will continue providing updates to the public as new 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.

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