As of May 10, 2020 the World Health Organization reported a total of 3, 917, 366 confirmed cases of COVID-19 globally with 274, 361 deaths. There are now 1, 655, 378 confirmed cases in the region of the Americas. The affected countries within the region includes Dominican Republic (9,882), Haiti (146), Barbados (82), Jamaica (490), Cuba (1,754), Dominica (16), Grenada (21), Trinidad and Tobago (116), Guyana (93), Antigua and Barbuda (25), Saint Vincent and Grenadines (17) and Martinique (186).

As of May 11, 2020 Saint Lucia has recorded a total of 18 confirmed cases of COVID-19. Seventeen are fully recovered and have reintegrated into their communities and one active case is currently in hospital care and recovering well. On Monday, May 11, 2020 results for 55 samples were received and they were all negative. This brings a total of 675 tests conducted to date.

On Tuesday, May 12, 2020 the Department of Health and Wellness will receive 20 Saint Lucians who are cruise ship workers on the Carnival Glory. These nationals shall be in quarantine for a period of 14 days as per the country’s established protocol. Over the next few weeks we will continue to receive other Saint Lucian cruise workers and eventually our returning nationals.

The Department once again asks the public to work with us to reduce the impact of COVID-19. Our returning nationals are asked to abide by the quarantine protocols. We ask their relatives and loved ones support them throughout the process. Further if anyone is aware of any individual who has entered Saint Lucia through unofficial routes, you are asked to alert the authorities. All these measures are in place to keep all of us safe.

Saint Lucia continues on a 10 hour curfew from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. daily. Some of the national protocols which apply to this include: remain at home leaving only for food or medical purposes, avoid mass crowd events and social gatherings.

However, we have observed that in practice, the recommended 6ft distance and the use of face masks or scarfs is not being maintained especially in communities. To this end, we wish to implore the public to adhere to those measures. – By maintaining the recommended 6ft distance, you reduce the likelihood of getting infected or spreading the virus when people around you may cough, sneeze or make physical contact. – The face mask or scarf should be used for source control by reducing the potential exposure risk from infected persons during the “pre-symptomatic” period. For face masks to be effective in reducing infection, they must be used properly. – Avoid getting together in groups – Ensure upon return to your home that you wash your hands thoroughly before engaging in any activity.

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

At this time, we remind you of one of our popular slogans…Be bright…don’t light and be mindful that substance use and misuse will further complicate our existing situation.