Decline in respiratory cases, Minister Baptiste favours continuous vigilance

Castries, Saint Lucia: The Minister of Health- Moses Jn Baptiste urged continuous vigilance of respiratory illness, despite a slight decrease in the cases. On Tuesday, he addressed the citizens and revealed that the nation reported a drop in respiratory cases.

He stated that in the past few weeks, there has been a ‘slight decline’ in the number of people visiting hospitals and wellness centres.

“However, we cannot take comfort in that. We know that over the past few months, a number of individuals have come down with respiratory illness”, added Minister Baptiste.

The government of Saint Lucia continuously monitors respiratory cases and treats people with any kind of respiratory illness such as difficulty in breathing.

Further, he also advised people to take necessary precautions while going out, especially when they are visiting sick people at hospitals and medical facilities. The authorities make sure that every wellness centre must have face masks.

Noting this, face masks are available at all public health facilities for patients and for others as well. Moreover, the government of Saint Lucia is providing free COVID-19 PCR and rapid tests at various wellness centres, community hospitals, and polyclinics.

“Let us not let our guard down”, advised the Health Minister.

It is to be added in the statement of Minister Baptiste that the authorities had considered no new measures because of respiratory illness. However, they ensure to spread of awareness in society so people will be more cautious.

Notably, the nation has also reported a few cases of new COVID-19 variants, Influenza A and B and Respiratory Syncytial Virus. The health officials have issued an advisory for all persons with chronic and severe health conditions to exercise caution.

The officials remind the people that the country is currently in its flu season, which runs from October to March. They would like to encourage the use of the flu vaccine, which is available free of charge at several medical facilities.

People are suggested to take precautions such as,

• Wash your hands more often and maintain proper hygiene
• Consult a doctor if flu-like symptoms linger and worsen
• One should wear a face mask when presenting flu-like symptoms, especially in crowded places
• Strengthen sanitary measures at their homes and workplaces
• Should follow a healthy lifestyle through diet, adequate sleep and regular exercise

Moreover, the health minister expressed its commitment to tackle the situation by continuously monitoring respiratory illness in the country.