Health Ministry Issues Respiratory Illness Advisory

Saint Lucia’s Health Ministry has advised that the risk of contracting respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19, still exists. In a statement Monday on the Ministry’s behalf, Medical Surveillance Officer Dr. Dana DaCosta Gomez noted that countries have reported increases in confirmed cases of COVID-19 regionally. As a result, the Health Ministry official urged every available measure to reduce the spread of respiratory illnesses in the population. “Whilst the symptoms of COVID-19 have evolved, we remind the public that many symptoms have remained the same and persons may experience fever, runny nose, sore throat and cough. These symptoms can be confused with the flu or other respiratory viruses,” Gomez explained. She encouraged people with respiratory symptoms to adhere to the following measures to prevent the spread of respiratory illness: • Cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing. • Wear a mask in crowded or enclosed spaces, especially if you are feeling unwell or are around others who are sick. • Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available. •  If you are feeling unwell, please stay home until you feel better so as to prevent...