Saint Lucia has recorded its fifth COVID-19 related death, Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Sharon Belmar-George, has announced.
The announcement came in a statement Thursday which is reproduced below:
Today Thursday December 17, 2020 the Ministry of Health received confirmation of one new case of COVID-19.
This is from a total of 145 samples tested with 1 positive and 144 negatives.
This brings the total number of cases diagnosed in country to date to 279.
Case #279 is a 39 year old male from the Gros-Islet district who is also recorded
as Saint Lucia’s fifth COVID-19 related death.
Yesterday Wednesday December 16, 2020, case #279 came into a respiratory facility as a critical patient with other severe underlying medical conditions.
At the time of admission, the individual was assessed and tested for COVID-19.
The individual passed away while in care.
An epidemiological link has not been established for this case.
Investigations are on-going by the contact tracing team to determine any possible existence of an epidemiological link for this case.
The Ministry of Health expresses condolences to the family and loved ones of the individual.
he Ministry sympathies with the family during this time of loss.
It is important that we continue practicing the infection prevention and control
guidelines to minimize the spread of the virus.
– Wash your hands during the day using soap and flowing water
– Wear a mask in public places and ensure it covers the mouth, chin and nose
– Maintain a distance of six feet 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 at the closest community respiratory clinic
The Ministry of Health and Wellness will continue providing updates as new
information becomes available.