Today Thursday March 4, 2021 the Ministry of Health and Wellness received confirmation of 11 new cases of COVID-19 from the Ezra Long Laboratory. These results are from a batch of 96 samples taken on March 2, 2021 and processed on March 3, 2021.

All of these eleven individuals were seen at various community respiratory clinics where they were assessed and tested for COVID-19. In-keeping with the national COVID-19 testing protocol, healthcare practitioners placed each of these individuals in home quarantine while awaiting the return of their test results. Arrangements have been made to place them into isolation. The contact tracing for these new cases is underway. The new cases bring the total number of cases diagnosed in country to date to 3814.

Confirmation was also received of the recovery of 218 individuals bringing the total number of active cases in country to date to 324. Presently, two of the active cases are requiring critical care at the Respiratory Hospital.

In the March 3, 2021 press release, it was reported that Saint Lucia recorded one COVID-19 related death bringing the total number of deaths to 38. The Ministry of Health notes an error in the press release. Rather as of March 3, 2021 Saint Lucia was actually at 38 COVID-19 related deaths. 

Today the Ministry of Health also reports five COVID-19 related deaths bringing the total number of deaths in country to date to 43. Death #39 is a 79 year old male from the Castries district. Death #40 is an 89 year old female from the Castries district. Death #41 is a 68 year old male from the Soufriere district. Death #42 is a 47 year old male from the Vieux-Fort district. Death #43 is a 69 year old male from the Canaries district. All of these individuals had underlying medical illnesses and were in care at the time of their passing.

The Ministry of Health extends condolences to the families and loved ones of these individuals. The Ministry of Health encourages every citizen to continue practicing the behaviors to minimize the spread of COVID-19: - Wash your hands frequently using soap and flowing water - Wear a mask in public places and ensure it covers the mouth, chin and nose - Maintain a physical distance from others - Use a bleach solution to sanitize frequently touched surfaces and frequently handled objects - 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.

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