Senior officials from various government ministries were granted the opportunity to make a valuable contribution to the country’s level of preparedness for the threat of the coronavirus, during a recent meeting of the National Health Security Committee.

Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Sharon Belmar-George, said such a meeting is important as it allowed the Department of Health to engage its stakeholders in the action to deal with the threat of the coronavirus.

“The Ministry of Health and Wellness made a presentation and gave an update on the coronavirus disease and we discussed a number of recommendations moving forward in the coordination. This was done to ensure a multi-sectoral approach in the coordination. We were able to share our plan thus far, indicate what we have accomplished and also pinpoint where the gaps are to strengthen our measures to this possible threat.”

Cabinet Secretary Benjamin Emmanuel said the National Health Security committee meeting demonstrates the coordinated efforts of its members to shape and formulate a response to the threat of the coronavirus. 

“What we expect is that the committee will continue to formulate the plans over the next few days and we will be engaged in terms of public dissemination of information and the public awareness and ensuring that at all levels in the society, we are ready and prepared to ensure Saint Lucia’s response and of course protection to the unfolding situation.”

The Department of Health and Wellness remains committed to managing the threat of the coronavirus and will continue conducting education and sensitization sessions with its stakeholders.