The trio of Health Minister Dr. Irving McIntyre, Tourism Minister Denise Charles, District Medical Officer Dr. Lynora Fevrier Drigo, have renewed the government calls for COVID-19 vaccination. According to official figures, 18,498 people in Dominica have been vaccinated with the first dose and 9,323 people have been fully vaccinated with their second doses.
McIntyre said the vaccination rollout programme has been very effective in reducing the incidents of coronavirus infection in the country. He said there are only three active cases in Dominica, and that the country comes second in the region in terms of near-zero cases. He urged people to continue to observe health regulations such as wearing of face masks, washing of hands, and social distancing among others.
According to the health minister, the benefits in getting vaccinated outweigh any potential risks in vaccination, and this is the only way for the country to fully return to the pre-COVID era. He said people should help the larger population to get back to normal livelihoods by observing all health protocols laid down by the Ministry of Health.
In the same vein, district medical officer Lynora Fevrier Drigo pointed out that mass vaccination will enable the country to achieve herd immunity in no time. She said that Dominica requires 70% of the population to be vaccinated to ensure greater herd protection for the few that chose to not get inoculated. She said that depending on the severity of the pandemic, some countries may target 50% to 90% vaccination for the entire population to enjoy guaranteed immunity.
Tourism Minister Denise Charles said that May is Tourism Awareness Month and that everyone should get vaccinated so that cruise ships could begin to return to Dominica. She noted that the return of cruise ships will boost the tourism sector and guarantee incomes for everyone who is working within the industry.
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