As of June 1, 2020 the World Health Organization reported a total of 6, 057, 853 confirmed cases of COVID-19 globally, with 371,166 deaths. There are now 2, 817, 232 confirmed cases in the region of the Americas. The affected countries within the region include Dominican Republic (17,285), Haiti (1,865), Barbados (92), Jamaica (581), Cuba (2,045), Dominica (16), Grenada (23), Trinidad and Tobago (117), Guyana (152), Antigua and Barbuda (25), Saint Vincent and Grenadines (26), and Martinique (200).

Test results received on Saturday, May 30, 2020 for 44 samples were all negative. Additional test results were received on Monday, June 1, 2020 for 28 samples and all these results were also negative.

This week testing will continue as a combination of community level testing from people seeking care at our various respiratory clinics, as well as targeted testing for frontline workers and the returning nationals from the cruise ships. To date Saint Lucia has carried out a total of 1,084 tests of which 18 tested positive and all fully recovered with no COVID-19 deaths.

Effective June 4, 2020 Saint Lucia opens its borders to regional and international countries. The policy includes that travelers present a negative COVID-19 test and undergo mandatory quarantine at a government institution.

The Ministries of Health and Tourism will continue working together with stakeholders to coordinate this new phase of the national response to COVID-19. In addition, the Ministries of External Affairs and Tourism continue to coordinate the repatriation of nationals which include cruise workers, students and other nationals currently seeking return to Saint Lucia.

As we prepare for the phased opening of other major sectors the Ministry of Health shall continue to guide the public on measures to reduce the transmission of COVID-19. We shall support the public with the requisite guidance through our various communication platforms, as well as through our Public Health and Primary Health Care team officers as part of our efforts to keep every citizen safe and to prevent the spread of infection.

We remind every individual to continue the habits of: – 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 Ministry 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.