Government of Saint Lucia

Government Notebook (Sep. 8, 2021)

Saint Lucia will be showcased at Expo 2020 Dubai; and the Minister for Agriculture visits Region 7.

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Over the last week, there have been new developments relating to COVID-19. In Saint Lucia, we continue to note an increase in cases and deaths. There have been reports of outbreaks at our health care institutions. This situation is of concern to all of us.

The significant increase in reported cases over the past two weeks indicates active transmission of the virus in the population. To maximize protection from the virus, and particularly the Delta variant, and possible transmission to others in close contact, an appeal goes out to get vaccinated.

It is important that we achieve high COVID-19 vaccine coverage sooner than later – Lives and livelihoods will be saved; hospitalizations and deaths reduced.

For details, visit: http://www.govt.lc/news/encouraging-saint-lucians-to-get-vaccinated

Government Notebook (Sep. 7, 2021)

Preparations for the reopening of school are underway; and the Ministry of Health continues to note significant increases in COVID-19 cases.

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Government Notebook (Sep. 6, 2021)

Saint Lucia receives the third batch of COVID-19 vaccines from the COVAX facility; and confirmation has been received for the institutionalization of Kwéyòl.

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ADHERENCE TO QUARANTINE AND ISOLATION PROTOCOLS: While the need to maintain businesses operational is fully acknowledged, the Ministry of Health remains very concerned over the increasing number of breeches in national protocols. There is a growing tendency of business places to ignore the workplace guidelines and test workers at their discretion. This practice is to be discontinued as testing contacts prematurely and instructing them to return to work may be creating an unsafe workplace whereby employees have a false sense of security originating from a false negative test result.

The need for testing and quarantine is based on the ‘level of exposure’ and clinical status of a contact. A decision is then made on whether contacts should be isolated, quarantined or made to self-monitor. In the latter two, the period of monitoring for the development of signs and symptoms for COVID-19 is 14 days from the last day of contact with the infected individual; this is the maximum incubation period of the disease. A negative test does not shorten the quarantine period.

Earlier this year, Saint Lucia adjusted the discharge from isolation criteria in accordance with guidelines from the World Health Organization (WHO). A negative PCR result is no longer considered a requirement for discharge from isolation. In addition to a sick leave form, the Ministry of Health also issues a letter of discharge from quarantine and isolation to all persons who have been placed in either quarantine or isolation. I reiterate, a negative PCR result is no longer considered a requirement for discharge from isolation and employees should not be mandated to produce a negative PCR result in order to return to work, especially as a PCR test may remain positive for months after a person has recovered from COVID-19.

This new request for a negative PCR result is now creating a strain on staff at the testing sites and laboratory, as well as encouraging COVID-19 cases to leave their homes against protocols in order to get tested.

The Ministry of Health reminds persons in the same household as a confirmed case of COVID-19 that they should not leave the home to go to school or work. Instead, they should get tested to determine their COVID-19 status.

Once tested, the individual should remain at home until the result of their test is communicated to them and further guidance is given by a healthcare worker. If you have not received a call informing you of your results, a call can be made to the testing site to enquire about the results. Persons who have been placed in quarantine are asked to adhere to the quarantine measures as explained by their healthcare workers.

Les nouvelles recommandations COVID-19 ont été approuvées. Les mesures ajustées débutent du Vendredi, Sep. 3 au Mardi, Sep. 14.

Government Notebook (Sep. 3, 2021)

Government to amend Criminal Records Rehabilitation of Offenders Act; and the Government of Saint Lucia spares no efforts in curbing the spread of COVID-19.

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After discussions, the following recommendations were approved. The adjusted measures will start from Friday September 3, 2021 to Tuesday, September 14, 2021.

The following adjustments in the COVID-19 protocols are:

1. Suspension of the sale and disposal of intoxicating liquor at bars, rum shops and restaurants.

2. Sale and disposal of intoxicating liquor from a supermarket, gas station or wholesaler with a valid liquor license will be permitted. (No consumption of intoxicating liquor will be permitted on licensed premises)

3. Suspension of dine-in services at restaurants and food establishments. Take away (grab and go) and delivery services will be permitted.

4. Recreational/social activities at hotels will be permitted on property during curfew hours, provided that such activities take place on property. Water sports and other water related activities such boat rides, skiing etc. must be suspended during the 24hour weekend curfew (from Saturday 4:00 pm to Monday 4:00 am).

5. The above measures along with the other current protocols (curfew hours and other restrictions) shall remain in effect for the period commencing Friday September 3rd until Tuesday September, 14th, 2021.

The Government of Saint Lucia has received 24,000 doses of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine through the COVAX facility, facilitated by the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO).

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