The Ministry of Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs continues surveillance of disease trends and provides the public with the following update:

On May 5, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared that COVID-19 was no longer a public health emergency of international concern. However, it still remains an ongoing public health issue as Saint Lucia continues to record confirmed cases of COVID-19 despite a generally low testing rate. 

Currently the dominant variant of COVID-19 in Saint Lucia is an omicron sub-variant called XBB.1.5. Over the last three weeks, we note increased numbers of persons with respiratory illness presenting at both public and private health facilities.

The Ministry of Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs advises the general public to adhere to the following preventative measures for respiratory illness:

1. Wash hands frequently or use hand sanitizers
2. Avoid close contact with persons who are sick
3. Do not report to work or attend social activities if you are feeling sick
4. Visit your health care provider for the management of your signs and symptoms
5. Consider wearing a mask when in public especially if you have flu like symptoms

Subsequent to a statement released on July 15 regarding a surge in the number of cases of gastroenteritis, the Ministry of Health continues to record increases. In the weeks post Carnival (July 23 – Aug. 5) a significant increase in cases of gastroenteritis was noted. A 71 percent increase in cases was recorded. The Ministry of Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs continues to advise on the following measures to reduce the incidence of gastroenteritis:

• Practice good hand hygiene. Wash hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water, especially after vomiting, using the toilet and before handling food;
• Do not eat undercooked foods;
• Disinfect contaminated surfaces and objects frequently to eliminate the virus or
• bacteria.
• If you are sick, avoid going to work until 24 hours after your symptoms have passed.
• Do not prepare meals if you are sick
• Boil your drinking water
• Food handlers are encouraged to ensure that the food is prepared in a safe and suitable manner for public consumption and that public health certificates are current and valid.

If you have symptoms of gastroenteritis, please seek medical care at your nearest Wellness Centre, if your symptoms do not improve or if you have signs of dehydration. Signs of dehydration include:

• A dry mouth, lips and tongue
• Dark yellow, strong-smelling urine
• Feeling thirsty
• Feeling tired, dizzy or lightheaded

You may be asked to produce a stool sample.

The Ministry of Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs remains vigilant and will continue to provide updates to the public. For more information, please contact the Office of the Chief Medical Officer or the Epidemiology Unit at 468-5309/468-5317 respectively.

View video statement.