BROOKLYN, NY – St. Lucia has recorded two deaths from the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic as health authorities confirm that the island is experiencing the fourth wave of the virus.
The Ministry of Health, Wellness, and Elderly Affairs, in its latest bulletin, said that there were also 42 new cases of COVID-19 over the last 24 hours, bringing the total number of cases diagnosed in the country to date to 9191.
The ministry also reported that two women died from the virus, pushing the death toll to 85. It said the confirmation was also received of the recovery of 67 individuals diagnosed with COVID-19 bringing the number of active cases to the country to 2364. Two of these active cases are critical, and eleven of them are severely ill at the Respiratory Hospital.
Health authorities here have warned that St. Lucia is experiencing the fourth wave of COVID-19 and that from July 25 this year, they have noted 3,621 cases at an average of 86 cases per day.
“During this period, we also noted 24 COVID-19 deaths at a case fatality rate of 0.7% with an average age of 66 years. The daily infection rate for the past week was 82.0 per 100,000 per day and an average of 148.7 cases per day,” the ministry said in a statement.
About this new wave, 52 percent of those infected are in the age group 25-49 years, with 58 percent being women.
The majority of the cases are from the capital, Castries, the northern districts of Gros Islet and Babonneau, and the eastern district of Dennery.
The ministry said based on contact tracing data, most of the cases diagnosed are related to social activities.
“At this stage of the outbreak, we note increasing cases at workplaces and spread between families. We have not peaked yet and continue to note increases from the past week and increases in deaths. To date, from the positive cases diagnosed in-country, less than two percent have been fully vaccinated.”
The ministry said that it is strengthening the public health system to continue managing the increased COVID-19 cases. An intense review of the response to this COVID-19 wave is scheduled for later this week to improve this situation’s management further.
“This will serve to ensure sustainable measures are in place and improve gaps reported. The enforcement agency continues to report numerous breaches of social activities even during periods of full lockdown. We ask the public to work with us and exhibit responsible behavior to manage this fourth wave. Let us all take personal responsibility to keep ourselves and our families safe.
“We continue to ask the public to work with us and exhibit responsible behavior to manage this fourth wave. The enforcement agency continues to report numerous breaches of social activities even during periods of full lockdown. Let us all take personal responsibility to keep ourselves and families safe.”
The authorities said that the island has available both the Pfizer and Astra Zeneca vaccines, which are made free of charge in the country.
“These vaccines have been proven to be safe and effective in protecting persons from developing COVID-19, its severe forms, complications, hospitalizations, and death. We continue to urge the public to access the various sites to get immunized as the soonest. Please encourage your family and friends to get immunized so we can all be protected.
“With the high level of community spread noted in the country at this point, we continue to advise the public to remain vigilant. Please adhere to the protocols that are put in place to keep us safe. These include regular hand washing, use of face mask in public places, avoiding crowds and persons with respiratory symptoms, and keeping frequently touched surfaces clean,” the ministry added.
Meanwhile, in Suriname, 741 people have died from COVID-19 after two people lost the fight against the contagious virus in the past 24 hours. For this month, the death rate stands at19.
The Bureau of Public Health notes that 157 new cases have been added out of the 311 citizens who were tested, indicating that more than half of the people who came to the swab units were infected for the second consecutive day. Monday, the percentage was 50.48.
The total number of people who tested positive is now 31,012, while 25,087 have been cured overall. There are 95 people in the hospitals, while 15 patients are being nursed in intensive care units. According to the dashboard, there are 1,931 infected persons in isolation.
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