St Lucia records second death from COVID-19

Castries – St Lucia recorded its second death from the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) a few hours after it had recorded its first death and health authorities have continued to issue warnings.

In addition, Chief Medical Officer, Dr Sharon Belmar-George, has announced another six new cases of COVID-19, pushing the island’s total to 148.

The new cases were between ages 32 and 69 and the health authorities said “at this point, the contact tracing team has been unable to establish an epidemiological link of these six cases to any of our prior cases, but investigations are ongoing”.

The Ministry of Health said that the second death is that of a 78-year-old male from Gros Islet.

“He had presented to a health care facility where he was tested for COVID-19. He was placed in isolation at the Respiratory Hospital and on Saturday, November 7, 2020 results were received confirming a COVID-19 diagnosis.

“While at the facility the patient required critical care. Contact tracing in relation to this case was undertaken and close contacts have been tested and, where required, placed in care,” the ministry said.

The two deaths occurred as the St Lucia government Tuesday hinted at the possibility of imposing stiffer conditions, including another lockdown.

“For a period of time, we have to stop the socialising, we have to stop the virus from being able to circulate, the only way we can save lives, save livelihoods, wear your mask, that is what we all have to do,” Prime Minister Allen Chastanet told reporters.

“If we’re not going to have the discipline in us to do it and calling upon each individual person in this country to do their part, if that is not working, then sadly the government will have to resort to more stringent protocols in order to enforce that even to a greater extent,” Chastanet said. (CMC)