On Tuesday, Feb. 9, the Ministry of Health received confirmation from the Ezra Long Laboratory of 110 new cases of COVID-19. This is from a total of 247 samples processed on Sunday February 7, 2021 for a range of days.

All of these individuals were seen within the community at a respiratory clinic where they were assessed and tested for COVID-19. In-keeping with the COVID-19 testing protocol, they were placed in quarantine by health care practitioners while awaiting their COVID-19 test results. Following receipt of their test results arrangements are being made to move these individuals from quarantine into isolation. The contact tracing for these cases has commenced.

The Ministry of Health also reports three COVID-19 related deaths bringing the total number of deaths recorded in country to date to twenty two.

Death #20 is a 69 year old male from the Anse La Raye district with underlying medical conditions. He was admitted on January 22, 2021 and was in critical care when he passed away on February 9, 2021.

Death #21 is an 85 year old female from the Babonneau district with underlying medical conditions. She was admitted into care on January 19, 2021 and passed away on February 8, 2021.

Death #22 is a 63 year old male from the Castries district with underlying medical conditions. This individual was admitted into care on February 1, 2021 and passed away on February 7, 2021.

The Ministry of Health extends sympathies to the families and loved ones of these individuals Currently, there are 712 active cases with three being in critical care at the respiratory hospital. All of the other cases are presently stable.

The new cases which have been confirmed now bring the total number of cases diagnosed in country to date to 2137.

It is important that we be reminded that the public health measures to contain the spread of the virus are effective once they are done consistently and correctly. The Ministry of Health continues to repeat these measures as they are proven to reduce our risk from infection. We appeal to every individual to act responsibly to protect us all. - Frequently wash hands your with flowing water and soap - Wear a mask when in public places and ensure it covers the mouth, nose and chin - Maintain a six foot distance from others wherever possible - Use a bleach solution to sanitize frequently touched surfaces and frequently handled objects - Avoid contact with other people who have flu-like symptoms.

If you are experiencing flu-like symptoms, it is important to keep away from others and to urgently seek medical care at your closest community respiratory clinic for assessment.

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