St. Lucia’s newest COVID-19 patient a teenager
St. Lucia’s newest positive case of COVID-19 is a teenager – an 18-year-old male who is a close contact of a previously confirmed case.
In the latest health bulletin, health authorities confirmed that there are now fifteen (15) COVID-19 cases in the island.
“On Friday, April 10th, 2020, St. Lucia confirmed one additional case of COVID-19 bringing our national total to 15. A total of 24 new samples were tested with one positive and twenty-three negatives,” said Dr. Sharon Belmar-George, Chief Medical Officer
She added that the teenager was initially placed in home quarantine and was taken in for testing and isolation upon developing symptoms. Likewise, contact tracing for this case is currently on-going.
The Chief Medical Officer reported that to date, the 32 persons in quarantine and 19 in isolation are doing well.
“All COVID-19 cases currently in isolation continue to do well and respond well to treatment. None have complicated or required respiratory support.”
Meanwhile, Saint Lucia has no recorded deaths related to COVID-19. There are also four recoveries that have been discharged from the isolation facility.
Dr. George said that despite receiving a number of persons on a daily basis who present with flu-like symptoms, respiratory clinics nationally continue to function well.
“The respiratory clinics have proven to be effective in streamlining patients for testing and care as may be required. This is complemented with active surveillance in communities to identify potential cases of COVID-19 and to bring persons in for testing.”
St. Lucia’s COVID-19 website
The government of St. Lucia launched a dedicated website for COVDID-19 last Thursday, April 9, 2020.
St. Lucia’s COVID-19 website (www.covid19response.lc) will provide the public with further information on the coronavirus disease as well as recent updates on the national response.
The website, which will be updated daily at 12 noon, will provide the following content:
- A dashboard with recent global and national COVID-19 statistics
- Audio-visual products to support the COVID-19 response
- Educational material on COVID-19
- Interviews and statements from stakeholders on Saint Lucia’s response to COVID-19
- Contact information for assistance with COVID-19 response
Moreover, the Ministry of Health continues to urge the public to follow measures to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 infection. These include, but are not limited to the following:
- Regular handwashing with soap and flowing water or the use of alcohol-based hand sanitizer where soap and water are not available.
- Covering the mouth and nose with disposable tissues or clothing when coughing and sneezing.
- Avoiding close contact with anyone showing symptoms of respiratory illness such as coughing and sneezing.
- Seeking medical attention and sharing travel history with health care providers if you have symptoms suggestive of respiratory illness either during or after travel.
St. Lucians may also contact the Ministry of Health and Wellness via 468-5342 / 468-5347 / 468-5349 or dial: 311