SAINT LUCIA HAS BEEN ABLE TO PREVENT THE LARGE-SCALE LOSS OF LIFE THAT HAS BEEN ASSOCIATED WITH COVID-19 IN MANY COUNTRIES WORLDWIDE.

Statement by acting National Epidemiologist, Dr. Dana Gomez

The year 2020 has been an unusual one. It has been one of the most challenging and trying years in recent history.

From an epidemiological standpoint, we have had to battle with two outbreaks concurrently: COVID-19 and Dengue Fever. Both these diseases have unfortunately caused some loss of life here in Saint Lucia, but to date, as a nation, we have been able to control and prevent the large scale loss of life that has been associated with COVID-19 in many countries worldwide.

The Epidemiology Unit has noted common trends in the transmission and impact of these diseases, both of which require that we practice proper personal and environmental hygiene in controlling their spread. This effort is not an individual one, but requires the collective effort of the entire society if we are to succeed in keeping our country safe.

Recently, we have observed a general decrease in the number of COVID-19 cases, which also coincides with a marked improvement in the adherence to the measures and protocols set in place by the Ministry of Health. Notwithstanding the focus on COVID-19, it is essential that we keep our surroundings clean and eliminate all mosquito-breeding sites to reduce the incidence of Dengue fever. These successes can only be achieved, when all parts of society work together.

As we enter into this festive season, we implore all Saint Lucians to continue to observe the good practices as it is through collective effort and personal responsibility that we will be able to return to some semblance of normalcy.

As an old African proverb goes: We can either go fast alone or go further together

From the Epidemiology Unit of the Ministry of Health, we want to wish you all a happy, blessed and infection free holiday season.