Minister for Health and Wellness, Sen. Hon. Mary Isaac, during A Sitting of Senate held on May 6, highlighted the need for the extension of Saint Lucia’s state-of-emergency. Minister Isaac explained that with an average of about 100 new COVID-19 cases recorded weekly, the country cannot lessen the current COVID-19 protocols. One such protocol is the implementation of a curfew, which Sen. Hon. Isaac indicated, has assisted in curbing the spread of the coronavirus on island.

“There is absolutely no question as to whether or not we need the declaration of a state-of-emergency, maybe now more than ever as we see the numbers beginning to decline. We are still getting on average about 100 cases per week, so it is still not satisfactory enough to loosen on the protocols which currently exist—including the curfew,” she said.

Highlighting the worsening COVID-19 situation in other countries, the minister cautioned that Saint Lucia cannot become complacent just because active COVID-19 cases appear to be stabilizing.

“COVID-19 is still with is. It is because of the measures that we have put in place that we are seeing a slight decline in cases,” she said. “We cannot let our guards down because it can result in a situation that is even worse than what we previously experienced. Trinidad and Tobago is under tremendous pressure right now. Closer to home is Martinique, and we hear and see what is happening in India. Saint Lucia cannot afford to have a situation like this.”

Sen. Isaac indicated that the Ministry of Health continues the fight against COVID-19. Saint Lucia is soon to receive some 150,000 vaccines.

The Minister explained: “We are expecting to get 100,000 vaccines purchased by the Government of Saint Lucia, and another 50,000 that will be given to us from the COVAX facility. We are expecting both of these shipments by the end of May. Our vaccination efforts are extremely important to be able to obtain herd immunity, and we are looking to vaccinate about 108,000 in order to accomplish that task.”

The Parliament of Saint Lucia approved the extension of a State-of-Emergency for an additional period of five months, commencing May 17 and ending on Oct. 16.