Dominica has recorded two new cases of COVID-19 from the 39 cruise ship returnees to the island. Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit revealed in a nationwide address that two cruise ship workers who returned recently to the country tested positive to coronavirus while 35 tested negative.
He said the two positive cases are asymptomatic and will be isolated for closer monitoring for the next two weeks. He said they have no pre-existing conditions, meaning they should recover easily after being treated at government hospitals. He said the entire cruise ship returnees have not been in any contact with friends or family members since their arrival in the country.
The tests were conducted in accordance to local protocols and international best practices. The two nationals who are at this point still asymptomatic with no preexisting health conditions have been placed in isolation. Neither they or any of the other 35 other crew members have come into contact with family, friends or other non-frontline Health and safety professionals.
Roosevelt Skerrit: Prime Minister of Dominica
The country now has a total of 18 positive COVID-19 cases with 16 already treated and discharged.
The prime minister however stated that the 35 remaining ship crew members “will remain under mandatory institutionalized monitoring for another two weeks” as a further precaution so that they do not pose health risks to the wider Dominican population.
Meanwhile, national epidemiologist, Dr. Shalauddin Ahmed, revealed that 72% of the entire households in the country have undergone community coronavirus testing using the rapid test technique and confirmatory PCR testing. He noted that only two individuals reacted to the rapid test even though they tested negative to COVID-19 after PCR testing; he clarified that this could only happen if the individuals developed antibodies to the coronavirus.
Based on the information that is available, it is very likely that there is no community transmission.
Dr. Shalauddin: Ahmed: National Epidemiologist
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