Saint Lucians have been advised to exercise increased caution following the recording of a 29th case of COVID-19 on island. The country has recorded 29 cases but currently has two active cases on island.

The latest case is that of a 48-year-old male minibus operator who tested positive after seeking care at a respiratory clinic. Chief Medical Officer, Dr Sharon Belmar George, said this case poses high risk to Saint Lucia given the possibility for community spread.

Health authorities are yet to determine the source of infection and are urging commuters on public transportation on the 2H Castries to Vieux-Fort route to visit respiratory clinics for testing.

“We’re encouraging people to come in to get assessed,” she said. “We are trying as much as possible to widen the net of possibility of persons coming through Vieux Fort and Castries, so we made available these extended clinics from Vieux Fort, Dennery, and La Clery as well to ensure that we can manage. We have also set up testing and assessments within the communities to make it easier for persons who may have concerns, or for possible contacts of those cases.”

Dr. Belmar George said despite the high risk of community spread from this latest case, at this time there is not sufficient evidence to restrict the movement of nationals by way of curfew or lockdown. Adherence to the protocols, the CMO reminds, will help keep individuals safe.

“The information that we have in terms of results is inconclusive at this time. We anticipate that after a few days of testing we will be able to have a better idea of the impact. We’re looking to test at least 500 to see what the positive percentage rate is. So maybe in the next few days we will get a better idea of what the level of spread may be,” Dr. Belmar-George said. “But notwithstanding, Saint Lucia’s protocols are robust enough that if they are properly followed, even with community spread the need for a full shut down may not be necessary. This also depends on the level of spread, whether its sporadic cases or a huge subset of the community, for such a recommendation to be made.”

Commuters who travelled from the 2H Castries-Vieux-Fort route via minibus M481 during the period Sep. 28 to Oct. 9, are asked to visit the respiratory clinics for assessment. The five existing respiratory clinics are at the Gros-Islet Polyclinic, La Clery Wellness Centre, Dennery Hospital, Vieux-Fort Wellness Centre and the Soufriere Hospital.

Individuals who are unable to visit the Clinics can call the 311 Hotline for assistance.