By Caribbean News Global contributor
CASTRIES, St Lucia, (CNG Health) – Within hours of publication Saint Lucia extends COVID-19 ‘ten-day lockdown’ to February 3 and that, “that is always the sign of a rushed or emergency decision, and that the government is worried about something, comes confirmation that “Sunday, January 31, 2021, the Ministry of Health and Wellness (MOH) received confirmation of 216 new cases of COVID-19 and two COVID-19 related deaths bringing the total number of deaths in the country to date to 15.
According to the MOH, “This batch consists of samples taken over several days, from the period January 21, 2021, to January 29, 2021.”
The MOH said it also received confirmation of the recovery of eight individuals diagnosed with COVID-19 bringing the total number of active cases in the country to 769.
COVID-19 related death #14 is a 72-year-old male from Gros-Islet with no known medical history. COVID-19 related death #15 is a 21-year-old male from Babonneau with no known medical history.
“Both individuals were in care at the time of their passing. The two COVID-19 related deaths bringing the total number of deaths in the country to date to 15. The new cases now bring the total number of cases diagnosed in the country to date to 1411,” said the MOH.
According to the MOH: “With the upsurge in cases, the government of Saint Lucia is looking at stricter measures to curtail the spread of COVID-19, increase and improve testing capacity and to ensure there is adequate space for quarantine and isolation.”
An earlier press release from the office of the prime minister, dated January 31, 2021, that gives the impression there working on a Sunday, reads: Saint Lucia to continue under existing COVID-19 prevention and control protocols.
“A meeting of the National Emergency Management Advisory Committee (NEMAC) and stakeholders will take place on Tuesday 2nd February 2021 to further review the existing protocols and chart the way forward. Following which, the prime minister will update the nation with regard to the implementation of any new measures.”
