Thirteen members of the West Indies men red-ball training squad and management have received vaccinations against COVID-19 in St. Lucia, where they are preparing for the upcoming ICC World Test Championship Test matches against South Africa.

CWI, in partnership with the Government of St. Lucia, through the support of the Ministry of Health and the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), has been able to secure COVID-19 vaccines for all interested squad members.

CWI has been supporting the efforts of regional governments to encourage everyone to get vaccinated against COVID-19, with the West Indies Women’s training squad receiving their first doses while at their training camp in Antigua last week.

CWI’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr Israel Dowlat offered CWI’s appreciation of the support received on the vaccinations and their importance to the squad.

“CWI is fully committed to supporting the vaccination drive throughout the region. We are extremely grateful to have our governments and CARPHA who have been partnering with us to host cricket safely and to get our squads vaccinated,” he said.

Meanwhile, Dr Joy St. John, Executive Director, CARPHA, said CWI through its efforts has been helping to raise awareness of the efficacy of vaccinations.

"Cricket West Indies is leading the way in helping to raise awareness of the need to get vaccinated. They have been actively encouraging their players and staff to get vaccinated and we urge the people of CARICOM to follow them to safety by getting their vaccines as soon as possible," she said.

“The Ministry of Health and Wellness in St. Lucia is pleased to collaborate with CWI to facilitate the immunization of their players. Immunization is one of the most cost-effective public health measures in the management of infectious diseases.

Cricket is an important sporting activity in the region and ensuring that it can be facilitated safely, is of importance to us in St. Lucia. We welcome the teams here and look forward to successful and safe activities over the coming weeks.”

Eleven players and support staff received their first dose of the vaccine, along with two squad members who received their second dose. Several members of the training squad have already received their first doses in their home countries and will receive their second dose later in the summer.

The West Indies Men’s squads are living and training in a bio-secure bubble environment ahead of their schedule of international home fixtures.