The Ministry of Health and Wellness today Wednesday November 25, 2020 received confirmation of nine new cases of COVID-19. These cases bring the total number of cases diagnosed in country to date to 235. Two of the cases are visitors to Saint Lucia.

Case #231 is a 37 year old female and case #232 is a 35 year old male. They arrived in country on Sunday November 22, 2020 and required retesting for COVID-19 upon arrival. They proceeded to a COVID-19 certified property for quarantine, pending the receipt of their results. Upon being confirmed as COVID-19 cases, they were both transferred into isolation and the contact tracing process for these cases have commenced.

The remaining seven cases are Saint Lucian nationals. Case #227 is a 43year old female from the Castries district. Case #228 is an 83 year old male from the Soufriere district. Case #229 is a 56 year old female from the Gros-Islet district. Case #230 is a 27 year old female from the Castries district. Case #233 is a 29 year old male from the Castries district. Case #234 is a 39 year old male from the Castries district. Case #235 is a 29 year old female from the Castries district.

All of these individuals, after being assessed and tested for COVID-19, were placed in quarantine by health practitioners while awaiting their results. Epidemiological links have been established for five of these cases; these are cases #227, #230, #233, #234 and #235. The contact tracing team is in the process of investigating the presence of epidemiological links for the other cases.

As per protocol, arrangements have been made to place all cases into isolation. These new cases bring the total number of active cases in country to 124. None of these cases currently requires critical care and they are all doing well.

As we are now in what is traditionally the cold and flu season, the Ministry of Health reminds everyone of the importance of building a strong immune system to be able to fight off respiratory illnesses. Be sure to increase your intake of citrus fruits and vegetables and to remain hydrated by drinking water frequently during the course of the day. These daily habits will help in building resistance as well as strengthen overall health.

It is also important to be mindful to continue to behave in ways that reduce our exposure to the COVID19 virus. Be sure to: - Wash your hands often during the day using soap and flowing water - Wear a mask every time you are in public and ensure it covers both the mouth and nose - Maintain a distance of six feet from others when in public places - Use a bleach solution to sanitize frequently touched surfaces - Avoid contact with other people who have flu-like symptoms - If you are experiencing flu-like symptoms, keep away from others and seek medical care immediately at the closest community respiratory clinic.

The Ministry of Health and Wellness will continue providing updates as new information becomes available.