The Ministry of Health and Wellness today Friday November 27, 2020 received confirmation of eight new cases of COVID-19. The total number of COVID-19 cases diagnosed in country to date is 246. All of today’s cases are Saint Lucian nationals.

Case #239 is a 38 year old male from the Castries district. Case #240 is a 57 year old female from the Castries district. Case #241 is a 19 year old male from the Gros-Islet district. Case #242 is a 1 year old male from the Babonneau district. Case #243 is a 37 year old female from the Babonneau district. Case #244 is a 40 year old female from the Vieux-Fort district. Case #245 is a 33 year old female from the Canaries district. Case #246 is a 51 year old female from the Castries district.

All of the individuals, after being tested for COVID-19, were placed in quarantine to await their test results. Epidemiological links have been established for five of these cases. These are cases #239, #242, #243, #244 and #246. As per protocol, these individuals have been placed in isolation. These new cases now bring the number of active cases currently in country to 135.

The Ministry of Health reminds our citizens that the COVID-19 virus is still new to our population and as such, we are highly vulnerable to becoming infected with the virus. As such, it is important that we make every effort to remain in a good state of health. This includes maintaining healthy eating habits including limiting our intake of high fat, high sodium and sugar laden foods, and increasing our consumption of a variety of fruits and vegetables. In addition, make physical activity and moments of relaxation a part of our daily routine, using this time to disconnect from stressful thoughts and high stress environments. Alongside with these habits, there needs to be adherence to the recommended infection prevention measures to minimize the spread of the virus.

It is important that we all make every effort to daily practice the guidelines for infection prevention and control which include: - frequent hand washing with soap and flowing water or use of an alcohol-based hand sanitizer when handwashing is not possible - wearing a mask when in public and ensuring it covers both the mouth and nose - maintaining six foot physical separation from others, which is about two arm’s length apart - seeking medical care if experiencing respiratory symptoms which include fever, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat - avoiding contact with people who are experiencing respiratory symptoms All these practices, when done together, will significantly reduce the spread of the virus. The Ministry of Health and Wellness will continue providing updates as new information becomes available.