Schools to remain closed in St Lucia till 9 November due to COVID-19

The government of St Lucia have decided to keep schools and all other learning institutions closed for two weeks as coronavirus cases rapidly increase in this Caribbean island country. The officials fear that coronavirus is now at the community spread stage in St Lucia.

Education Minister Dr Gale TC Rigobert declared in a statement that the Chief Medical Officer has raised concerns over community spread of the contagious virus and on advise of health officials the government is making a decision to keep schools and other educational institutions closed for at least two weeks.

Schools, including all other learning institutions, will only reopen on Monday, November 09 stated the health minister.

Minister Gale stated that as the coronavirus cases rise, all necessary precautions are required, and people shall follow the health protocols.

He also referred to the current coronavirus conditions in the country as "still so fluid".

St Lucia has recorded a total of 65 confirmed cases of the coronavirus, and it made a record of receiving 17 COVID-19 patients in just one week.

Since the schools have been reopened, two people working at these institutions have tested positive for coronavirus, the patients also include a 62-year-old female school worker.

Two new coronavirus cases discovered on Sunday includes a 15-year-old and a 25-year-old. As per health officials, these two were discovered during the contact tracing of an already isolated coronavirus patient.

St Lucia has been welcoming tourists from most prone coronavirus countries like the United Kingdom since reopening borders in June. Air Canada also plans to resume its direct services to the country. Continuous incoming of people from hotspots is also a major reason behind the rapid increase of COVID-19.

Health Ministry has advised people to practice all the required protocols and wear face masks, sanitize hands and maintain social distancing. People are also advised to avoid mass gatherings at congested places.