St Lucians to experience delay in results of COVID-19 testing

St Lucia: There is a delay in the results of testing in COVID-19, which was informed by St Lucia’s government.

The statement issued which states that the Ministry of Health informs that there is currently a delay in providing COVID-19 PCR test results within the usual turn-around time. The reason behind this delay is the large volume of COVID-19 tests presently being processed. Measures are currently being put in place to address this issue.

In the interim, the Ministry of Health is requesting the patience of individuals awaiting COVID-19 test results and asks that all remain in quarantine until results are given.

On Saturday, January 23, 2021, the Ministry of Health and Wellness received confirmation of forty new cases of COVID-19 from the Ezra Long Laboratory.

Confirmation was also received of the recovery of 8 cases of COVID-19. This brings the total number of active cases in the country to 373.

One of the active cases remains in critical care, and the others are all stable. The new cases now make the total number of cases reported in the nation to date is 810.

The patient who died due to COVID-19 was 44 years old, admitted into care on January 19, 2021, at the Victoria Hospital, and passed away on January 22, 2021.

The government of St Lucia also initiated new protocols for the nation. These include that Work from home and reduce contact meetings. Business hours of operation scaled back from 11 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Prohibition of all social gatherings. Contact limited to immediate households. Special exemption for worship and religious activity to take place with physical services limited to 25 people.

Limitations on the sale and public consumption of alcohol, *effective January 20 for 21 days. Restrictions on dining services – take-out only.

Prohibition of sporting activities, including gyms. Closure of all schools, public and private. The opposition party is condemning the management of the current government. 

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