As of April 24, 2022 Saint Lucia has diagnosed a total of 23,261 cases in country, with 144 active cases presently. The daily infection rate for the last 7 days is 11.6 per 100,000 population per day which represents a 93% increase from last week, with a 14% average testing positivity rate and a transmission rate of 1.3. We have noted a total of 368 COVID-19 deaths. We have seven positive COVID-19 cases admitted at the Respiratory Hospital. This past week we continue to register cases daily, we note increases in our public health indicators.

The new school term commences this week. The Ministry of Education has worked closely with the Ministry of Health to ensure that all protocols are in place for the safe returnof thestudents. Parents are reminded to work closely with the administration of the school toensurecompliance. Some of the measures include ensuring the students leave home with their masks, hand sanitizer and tissue. Also ensure that children showing signs and symptoms of respiratory illness are kept home and seek medical care at one of the Respiratory Clinics. Children in households with positive cases are also asked to remain at home in quarantine. Parents and teachers are advised to work closely with students to allay their fears and ensure a safe educational environment.

The Pfizer, Astra Zeneca, Johnson and Johnson and Moderna vaccines are available at thevarious wellness centers. The booster vaccine is also available for persons who have beenfully vaccinated for over 6 months. Everyone who has not been vaccinated is urged to get vaccinated urgently.

We need to ensure that as we remove restrictive measures and open up, that our proven public health protective measures are in place especially to protect the most vulnerable.

We appeal to all organizations, public and private sector to ensure the maintenance of the public health protocols. Let us strive to sustain the low number of COVID-19 cases as we live, work, study and recreate safely with COVID-19.

For more information please contact the Office of the Chief Medical Officer or the Epidemiology Unit, at 468-5309/468-5317 respectively.