Government officials have reported two new COVID-19 cases in Dominica. There are now a total of 35 positive cases in the country, and six active cases at the moment. According to national epidemiologist, Dr. Shalauddin Ahmed, the two new cases are a 60-year-old man from Canefield and a 52-year-old woman from Portsmouth.
The two persons came into the country not long ago and were quarantined for the mandatory 14 days period by government officials. They tested negative for coronavirus before leaving for Dominica and yeilded negative PCR results before entering into Dominica. They however developed the disease during isolation and have to be treated for the disease.
Dr. Ahmed further disclosed tha 15 contacts have been traced from case number 34 and no contacts for case number 35. After testing the entire contacts, they tested negative for coronavirus via PCR testing, but have been remanded in isolation for another 14 days to see if they would develop symptoms or ultimately test positive.
According to the epidemiologist, a total of 157 persons have been traced out since the national borders were reopened. Only three of these tested positive and the remaining 154 tested negative. Ahmed noted that there is no community spread of the pandemic in Dominica but warned everyone to continue observing recommended health protocols which include the use face masks, frequent hand-washing, keeping social distance, and cleaning of surfaces with alcohol-based sanitizers.
Meanwhile, Chandler Hyacinth, permanent secretary at the Ministry of Education, said the government is happy that schools are operational across the country, but noted that school officials are still having issues with students and parents compliance with safety and health guidelines.
So far we are operating normally, we are operating well, we still have a few challenges, mainly in the use of the masks. We want to use this medium to encourage the parents at home to encourage the students to wear their masks; we still have issues with social distancing, in that we still find students still want to play by hugging, touching, and sharing.
Chandler Hyacinth: Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Education
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