As of May 12, 2020 the World Health Organization reported a total of 4, 088, 848 confirmed cases of COVID-19 globally with 285,153 deaths. There are now 1, 743, 717 confirmed cases in the region of the Americas. The affected countries within the region include Dominican Republic (10,634), Haiti (182), Barbados (84), Jamaica (502), Cuba (1,783), Dominica (16), Grenada (21), Trinidad and Tobago (116), Guyana (104), Antigua and Barbuda (25), Saint Vincent and Grenadines (17), and Martinique (187). As of May 13, 2020 Saint Lucia has recorded a total of 18 confirmed cases of COVID-19. The last case has now recovered and been discharged from hospital. All eighteen cases are therefore fully recovered.

The Ministry of Health received results for 52 samples and they were all negative. These samples are mainly captured through the community respiratory clinics. This brings the total number tests conducted to date to 727. Although we are pleased to maintain a low transmission level of COVID-19 in country, we remind the public that we are still at risk and must remain vigilant as the threat continues.

As we progress with the phased re-opening we must ensure that all protocols are adhered to. We recognize the efforts of a wide cross section of the population in adopting the recommended infection prevention and control measures and taking the necessary precautions when having to venture out into the public. We would like to see these measures adopted at the community level as well. We call on all community leaders, gate-keepers and heads of organizations to support the Ministry of Health in the implementation of these measures.

We continue to request that every individual practices the standard recommendations to prevent the spread of infection. These include: – regular hand washing with soap and water or alcohol based hand sanitizer where soap and water is not available – cover mouth and nose with disposable tissues or clothing when coughing and sneezing – avoid close contact with anyone showing symptoms of respiratory illness such as coughing and sneezing – wear your home made or cloth mask whenever venturing out from home – maintain a 6 foot distance when in public even while wearing a mask – seek medical attention if you have symptoms suggestive of respiratory illness either during or after travel – Refrain from touching items unless you intend to buy them when grocery shopping and otherwise.

The Department of Health and Wellness will continue providing regular updates on COVID-19. For more information please contact the Office of the Chief Medical Officer or the Epidemiology Unit, at 468-5309/468-5317 respectively.