The Ministry of Health is on top of the new threats posed by the deadlier COVID-19 strain identified in the UK. Chief Medical Officer David Johnson revealed that the health ministry is collaborating with PAHO and CARPHA to monitor the situation and ensure that the SARS-COVID2 variant does not have a foothold in the Caribbean.
Further to this objective, Dominica took part in a recent conference organized by CARPHA, PAHO, and the OECS Commission to discuss the new coronavirus variant with chief medical directors from CARICOM nations.
Dr. Johnson disclosed that he is very impressed with the support provided by CARPHA and PAHO to prevent the occurrence of the new COVID-19 strain in the Caribbean, and added that the regional health organizations are guided by virological studies conducted by WHO to understand the mutation of the new COVID-19 UK strain.
Although Johnson agreed that the UK coronavirus variant is deadlier with rapid transmission capabilities, he said there is no evidence yet that the strain causes more deaths. He further stated that Dominica’s public health response to any emerging health threats is determined by available evidence. He added that the best protection against the new and existing COVID-19 strains remain the use of face masks, hand washing, and staying indoors.
“In keeping with the basic principles and practices to reduce risk of transmissions of all acute respiratory infections, we continue to advise: avoid close contacts with persons suffering from any flu-like symptoms, frequent handwashing with soap and water; persons with symptoms of acute respiratory infections should practice cough etiquette,” Johnson said. “I cannot emphasize that enough, and wearing of masks in public as you have heard which is mandatory.”
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