Omicron variant found in St Lucia

Castries: The cases of the COVID-19 Omicron variant has now also been reported in St Lucia. The Ministry of Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs noted that via gene sequencing, 13 new cases of the Omicron variant had been reported in the island country.

Among these 13 individuals, 11 of them are citizens of St Lucia only, and the remaining 2 are non-nationals. The majority of these new cases are recorded in females (11) and 2 in males.

Castries, Gros- Islet and Vieux-Fort are the highly affected regions by the ongoing fifth wave of the contagious COVID-19 virus, where the Omicron variant has been the dominant one.

As per statistics shared by the health ministry, out of the total COVID-19 cases reported in the last seven days, 2% of them were reported among the non-nationals that is (tourists). At present, there are a total of forty-nine individuals who are admitted to the hospital facilities, out of which six are severely ill. Although, the Caribbean island witnessed a decrease in the daily toll of infections, which is a good sign for St Lucia.

The health ministry asserted, “We have noted reductions in most of the public health indicators, and we continue to appeal to all organizations, public and private sector to assure the strengthening of all public health protocols”.

In terms of the COVID-19 vaccination, there are a total of 57,018 individuals who are partially vaccinated while taking at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccines, which counts for 31.1% of the total island’s population.

On the other hand, there are a total of 51,072 persons in St Lucia who have taken their required number of the WHO-approved COVID-19 vaccines and hence are now fully vaccinated. This counts for a total of 27.8% of St Lucia’s total population.