Healthcare, DASPA, and police officials are emphasizing the proper use of face masks to prevent the second wave of COVID-19 in Dominica. Director of Primary Healthcare Services, Dr. Gilda Nesty-Tonge, said face masks have been proven to prevent the spread of coronavirus everywhere in the world, and that it must be worn correctly to be effective.
Tonge urged Dominicans to not wear face masks on their chin or forehead, or allow it to hang from one ear while talking to people. She insisted it must be worn to cover the nose and mouth at all times outdoors and at social events for it to work. Although she cautioned against attending social parties or any crowdy celebrations, she warned that face masks must be worn if it is not possible to avoid social gatherings.
The primary healthcare services director emphasized that wearing of face covering protects the individual and others within the immediate vicinity.
Chief Executive Officer of the Dominica Air and Seaport Authority (DASPA), Benoit Bardouille, lent his voice to the campaign to state that the correct use of masks will be enforced at borders and all points of entry into the country.
“Face masks, face coverings, will be required for all passengers, airport staff, airline staff and other approved persons at all times,” Bardouille said. “Passengers are required to wear face masks or face coverings at all times during the arrival process, up to and during departure at the airport.”
According to the DASPA head, any individual who fails to use face coverings at ports of entry or departure may be delayed until they comply with standard protocols. Passengers will also be temperature-screened and those who fail the screening will be handed over to health officials for processing. In such a case, the individual may be quarantined if tests reveal they are positive to COVID-19.
“While quarantine may be looked upon as an inconvenience to someone, it must be kept in mind, that the benefits of quarantine far outweigh the inconvenience,” Dr. Gilda Nesty-Tonge stated. “This has been proven in the result of the management of a few cases; and we ask everyone who has to be quarantined to understand the reason behind the measure.”
Meanwhile, Acting Deputy Chief of Police, Davidson Valerie, said the importance of adherence to health and safety protocols cannot be overemphasized since the country cannot afford a second wave of coronavirus or a national lockdown.
“Dominica cannot afford to return to a similar situation,” Valerie stated. “We must make every sacrifice to ensure that we don’t return to that period.” Apart from the proper use of face masks, Valerie said customs and police departments will raise the bar to ensure that no immigrant or nationals enter the country illegally since unauthorized entrants pose coronavirus risks to the larger society. He emphasized that anyone who breaches the security of the country to enter or leave the country illegally will be punished severely under appropriate laws.
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