The Ministry of Health and Wellness today Thursday December 31, 2020 received confirmation of thirteen new cases of COVID-19. This brings the total number of cases diagnosed in country to date to 353. All thirteen cases are Saint Lucian nationals.

Case #341 is a 35 year old male from the Dennery District. Case #342 is a 39 year old male from the Castries District. Case #343 is a 44 year old male from the Castries District. Case #344 is a 23 year old female from the Vieux-Fort District. Case #345 is a 34 year old female from the Castries District. Case #346 is a 30 year old female from the Castries District. Case #347 is a 35 year old female from the Dennery District. Case #348 is a 30 year old male from the Castries District. Case #349 is a 32 year old female from the Babonneau District. Case #350 is a 4 year old male from the Babonneau District. Case #351 is a 45 year old female from the Castries District. Case #352 is a 29 year old female from the Castries District. Case #353 is a 41 year old male from the Laborie District.

All of these individuals had been assessed and tested for COVID-19 and placed in quarantine by health care practitioners pending receipt of their results.

Five of these cases are contacts of previously confirmed COVID-19 cases. Investigations are currently being undertaken to determine the possible existence of an epidemiological link for the other eight cases. Arrangements have been made for the placement of all these individuals into isolation. Today the Ministry of Health also reports a total of 11 recoveries. This brings the total number of active cases currently in country to 64.

The Ministry of Health and Wellness, through the reports from the contact tracing team, is noting the increased transmission of COVID-19. This can be associated with the increased movement and social activities during the first three weeks of December 2020. As much as we anticipate increased transmission risk associated with the festive season, we continue to remind the public to adhere to the infection prevention recommendations at this time. Reports have been received of large parties and other social gatherings during the past Christmas week and similar plans for the upcoming New Year celebrations. While we wish everyone an enjoyable celebration as you usher in the new year, we advise that safety be the priority for you and family. We at the Ministry of Health remain committed to maintaining all efforts to protect the health and well-being of all citizens.

The Ministry of Health reminds everyone to continue practicing the infection prevention and control measures to limit the spread of COVID-19: – Wash your hands often using soap and flowing water – Wear a mask in public places and ensure it covers the mouth, chin and nose – Maintain a physical distance of six feet from others when in public places – Sanitize frequently touched surfaces and objects using a bleach and water solution – Avoid contact with other people who have flu-like symptoms – If you are experiencing flu-like symptoms, keep away from others and seek medical care at the closest community respiratory clinic

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