St Lucia confirm 13 cases of Omicron variant of COVID-19

The Health Ministry of St Lucia confirmed the cases of Omicron variant of COVID-19 in the country. The Caribbean Public Health Agency CARPHA had sent the gene sequencing results to the Ministry of Health, Wellness, and Elderly Affairs.

The findings revealed 14 samples were sent for genome sequencing, and the Omicron variant was confirmed in 13 of the sequenced samples, while the Delta Variant was only found in one case.

The health ministry stated that out of 13 Omicron cases identified, 11 individuals are St Lucian nationals, and two are non-nationals. The patients include two males and eleven females.

Castries, Gros-Isle, and Vieux-Fort were the main communities afflicted by the Omicron cases during this wave, the health ministry added.

The Omicron Variant looks to be the major variant spreading during this 5th wave, based on epidemiological findings. This explains why the rate of transmission within communities and workplaces is so high in St Lucia.

Since the 5th wave began on December 16, 2021, and ended on January 30, 2022, 7,780 cases have been diagnosed, averaging 173 new infections per day. The St Lucia Health Ministry stated that women account for 59 percent of the cases, while 29 COVID-19 deaths have been reported, with men accounting for 55 percent of the deaths.

Besides this, tourists accounted for 2% of cases diagnosed in the last seven days, but 4.8 percent of all cases diagnosed during the 5th wave.

At the Respiratory Hospital, there are currently 49 positive patients receiving treatment, and six of them are critically ill.

"We're still registering cases this week, and the seven-day average approximation shows a downward trend in the epidemiological curve," the health ministry stated.

The majority of public health indicators have decreased in St Lucia. The government continue to call on all entities, both public and private, to ensure that all public health protocols are strengthened.