Today Thursday August 5, 2021 the Ministry of Health and Wellness received confirmation of 17 new cases of COVID-19 from the Ezra Long Laboratory. These results are from a batch of 150 samples taken on August 3, 2021 and August 4, 2021. The samples were processed on August 4, 2021.

All of these new cases were seen at various community respiratory clinics where they were assessed and tested for COVID-19. In keeping with the COVID-19 testing protocol, these individuals were placed in home quarantine by healthcare practitioners while awaiting the return of their COVID-19 test results. Arrangements have since been made to place them in isolation. The contact tracing for these new cases is currently underway.

The Ministry of Health also reports one new COVID-19 death. To date, the total number of COVID-19 deaths in country is 63 and the total number of COVID-19 related deaths is 27. COVID-19 death #63 is a 53 year old female from the Gros-Islet district. The Ministry of Health sympathizes with the family, friends and loved ones of this individual.

Confirmation was also received of the recovery of 6 individuals diagnosed with COVID-19. This brings the total number of active cases currently recorded in country to date to 189. Presently, three of the active cases are requiring critical care at the Respiratory Hospital. The new cases bring the total number of cases diagnosed in country to date to 5688. 

As of August 4, 2021 a total of 32, 448 individuals have received the first dose of the vaccine and 25, 061 individuals have received the second dose of the vaccine. Tomorrow Friday, August 6, 2021 the COVID-19 vaccine will be made available at the Soufriere Hospital Grounds, Jacmel Wellness Center and the Gros-Islet Human Resource Center. The mobile COVID-19 vaccination train will also be coming to the M&C Home Depot in Vide Bouteille (9 a.m. to 3 p.m.) and the Saltibus Health Center Grounds (9 a.m. to 4 p.m.). In addition, people can access the COVID-19 vaccine at any of the wellness centers around the island and are asked to call or walk in to make an appointment. Individuals 18 years and older are encouraged to get vaccinated to protect themselves, family, friends and others from the COVID-19 virus and variants of concerns. The public is reminded that COVID-19 vaccine is available free of charge to the public.

The Ministry of Health continues to emphasize on the need for Saint Lucians to be vigilant ad ensure that all protocols are adhered to. Saint Lucians are reminded of the risk posed with the possible introduction of the Delta variant and therefore people are encouraged to get vaccinated and protect themselves and others. Everyone is asked to continue adopting behaviors and practices to minimize the exposure of the COVID-19 virus. Some of the infection prevention and control measures include regular handwashing using soap and flowing water, use of hand sanitizer, proper use of a face mask in public, keeping frequently touched surfaces clean, maintaining a distance from others and avoiding crowds and persons with respiratory symptoms. Individuals with respiratory symptoms are asked to visit any of the five Community Respiratory Clinics that is the Vieux-Fort Wellness Center, Dennery Hospital, Soufriere Hospital, La Clery Wellness Center and the Gros-Islet Polyclinic.