Saint Lucia notes decline in COVID-19, respiratory illness cases

Castries, Saint Lucia: The Ministry of Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs noted a decrease in hospitalizations and deaths due to the COVID-19 Virus. The ministry expressed its commitment to tackle the situation by continuously monitoring respiratory illness in the country. 

It is to be noted that the health department ensures that people having flu-like symptoms are treated at the emergency departments, wellness centres, and private doctors’ offices as their main priority. 

However, the nation has also reported a few cases of new COVID-19 variants, Influenza A and B and Respiratory Syncytial Virus. Currently, they are receiving treatment, and authorities have urged others to take necessary precautions. 

Noting this, the public is encouraged to avoid the respiratory illness by practice the following measures:

1. People are advised to maintain and follow a healthy lifestyle through diet, adequate sleep, and regular exercise, especially reduced stress and toxic habits. 

2. Ensure compliance by taking prescribed medication if one suffers from any chronic health conditions. 

3. The public is encouraged to strengthen sanitary measures at their homes and workplaces.

4. Maintain proper hand hygiene with regular hand washing.

5. One should wear a face mask when presenting flu-like symptoms, especially in crowded places.

6. It is mandatory to consult a doctor and healthcare professionals if flu-like symptoms worsen.

7. Refrain from sending sick children to school or day-care centres until they are properly cured of the symptoms.

8. It is important to clean surfaces and objects by using household detergent.

The Ministry of Health has issued an advisory for all persons with chronic and several health conditions, especially old age groups, children and pregnant women, to wear a face mask in public places and avoid contact with others who are sick. 

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

The authorities remind the general public that the country is currently in flu season, which runs from October to March. As such, they would like to encourage the use of the flu vaccine, which is available free of cost at various wellness centres.

“We are presently in the flu season, which runs from October to March, and as such, we would like to encourage the use of the flu vaccine, which is available free of charge at the various wellness centres. The COVID-19 Janssen vaccine is also available and can be taken as a booster, especially for persons with risk factors or chronic illness”, added the health ministry.

Moreover, the ministry expressed its commitment to reduce the impact of respiratory illness.