The Ministry of Health has reported 13 COVID-19 cases in Dominica. National epidemiologist, Dr. Shalaudin Ahmed, stated that there are 11 cases in the cluster of transmission in Grand Fond – six imported cases and five local cases. The 12th case is a returnee from St. Maarten and the 13th case was also imported but detected after the mandatory five days quarantine period.
No COVID-19 deaths have been recorded in the country. According to Ahmed, the 13 cases comprise of five males and eight females.
“Currently we have three cases who are less than 10 years old, one between the ages of 10 to 20 years, four between the ages of 30 to 50 years old, two between the ages of 51 to 60 years old and two between the age of 70-80 years,” Ahmed disclosed. “Presently, they are all asymptomatic,”
He went on to reveal that 71 primary and 174 secondary contacts of the infected persons were tested using PCR and rapid antigen tests, and that they are tested negative. He said the infected persons are being monitored at the St. James Isolation Unit and that they will be managed and discharged in line with established protocols.
The epidemiologist also revealed that 19,518 people have been fully vaccinated in the country and that 1,253 are partially vaccinated. This according to him means that 45% of the adults are fully vaccinated and 27% of the entire populated inoculated against the pandemic. He urged everyone to get vaccinated since this is the only way to eliminate the pandemic and protect the nation.
“Vaccination practically eliminates severe disease, hospitalizations and death. It reduces contracting the disease 60-90% and reduces the transmission by 75%,” Ahmed said. “The longer we wait to get vaccinated the higher the chance of giving the virus time to mutate and produce a new Variant. This new variant may render all vaccines useless; hence I urge all to get vaccinated.”
Meanwhile, Health Minister Irving McIntyre has revealed that children aged two and above will be made to undergo PCR and antigen tests before they enter or exit Dominica. He said the Cabinet has approved of the initiative and further demonstrates the commitment of the government to protect the people. This is all the more important given that children under the age of 10 have tested positive to COVID-19, he stated.
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