21st February 2022

Since the commencement of the 5th wave 9,416 cases have been diagnosed with an average of 143 cases per day

By Ministry Of Health

PRESS RELEASE - As of February 21, 2022 Saint Lucia has diagnosed a total of 22, 545 cases in country, with 1,048 active cases presently.

The daily infection rate for the last 7 days is 24.9 per 100,000 population per day which represents a 35% reduction from last week, with a 21% average testing positivity rate and a transmission rate of 1.1. We have noted a total of 358 COVID-19 deaths. We have 24 positive cases admitted at the Respiratory Hospital, 1 case is critically ill and 1 case is severely ill.

Since the commencement of the 5th wave on December 16, 2021, 9,416 cases have been diagnosed with an average of 143 cases per day. Women account for 58% of the cases and 62 COVID-19 deaths have been recorded 63% of which is male. The majority of the deaths are COVID-19 related due to other associated chronic health conditions. Tourists account for 4.7% of the cases diagnosed for the past 7 days. Although the cases diagnosed are noted island-wide, the main areas affected are Castries, Gros-Islet, Vieux-Fort and Babonneau.

This week although we continue to register cases, the seven day average approximation continues to indicate a downward trend in the epidemiological curve. We note reductions in most of the public health indicators.

As we move towards living safely with COVID-19, workplaces have been authorized to continue full operations. Most services have been restored to normal operations. We appeal to all organizations, public and private sector to ensure the strengthening of all public health protocols. We continue working with the various sectors to reduce restrictive protocols without increasing health risks.

We continue to remind you of the following important measures:

- Avoid large crowds and crowded areas

- If you develop respiratory symptoms, seek medical care and avoid contact with others. Avoid

large meetings and crowded activities and social gatherings

- Ensure the protocols are maintained at all work places and sectors, on minibuses and commercial and tourism sector, gyms, hardware stores, supermarkets and recreational activities

- Ensure safe physical distancing for face to face meetings and activities

- Use of face mask when in public places

- Ensure regular cleaning of surfaces and sanitation of all business establishments and

environments

- Ensure you remain in quarantine or isolation if you were a direct contact of a case or a member of

your household is positive

- Limit social activities at work

- Encourage vaccination of employees

Presently, we are experiencing a delay in the shipment of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine and therefore, it is not available at the various vaccination sites. 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.

The Ministry of Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs wishes you a safe and happy 43rd independence celebration.

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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