Today, Sunday October 18, the Ministry of Health received confirmation of three new cases of COVID-19; cases 34, 35 and 36. Case 34 is a 21-year-old male, the son of COVID-19 case number 31, the 47-year-old male from Castries who was diagnosed on October 14, 2020. The second case, Case number 35, is a 23-year-old female who is a close contact of cases 30, 31, 32, and 34. These two newly-diagnosed cases were identified during the contact tracing process being undertaken by the health team in response to the cases which were diagnosed during this past week. The third case, case number 36 is a 21-year-old male who participated in one of the COVID-19 community testing drives which was recently conducted. This individual is linked to case number 33. In all three of these cases there was no travel into Saint Lucia.

Upon receiving their confirmed COVID-19 test results they were each transferred to the Respiratory Hospital for care. Although the Ministry of Health has been able to establish a link amongst cases number 29 to 36, it is important that we all bear in mind the likelihood of community transmission. It is this likelihood that made necessary the recent COVID-19 testing activities which were held in some communities and institutions of concern. This testing will assist in the timely identification of any additional cases which may exist in communities.

The public is therefore being appealed to take all the necessary measures to keep each and every one safe and reduce the risk of transmitting COVID-19. It is important that every citizen, every day, ensures we play our part to protect our health and that of our family and those most vulnerable amongst us including the elderly and people living with medical conditions. This can be done by following the guidelines for preventing the spread of the infection which include consistently using face masks in public places, keeping a safe physical distance from others, washing or sanitizing hands frequently particularly throughout the day and to promptly seek care at the closest Respiratory Clinic if experiencing respiratory signs and symptoms.

The Ministry of Health and Wellness will continue providing updates as new information is received.