PM Roosevelt Skerrit announced that health authorities confirmed three new COVID-19 cases in Dominica. This brings the total number of positive cases in the country to 11. The prime minister said the new cases were imported into the country and that there is no evidence of community transmission yet. However, he warned that there could be overnight surges in the number of positive cases if the populace does not adhere to recommended protocols.
Skerrit warned Dominicans to strictly comply with health and safety protocols established by the Ministry of Health in regard to handwashing, use of face masks, staying indoors and avoiding social gatherings, as well as observing respiratory etiquettes and cleaning of surfaces. The DLP leader warned that Dominica is lucky to keep the level of transmission at near zero with zero related deaths, but warned that this streak may not last for long.
“That doesn’t mean that we cannot go to 111 overnight; it doesn’t mean that we cannot go to 211 overnight,” he said. “We pray to God that doesn’t happen and we will do everything within our control, our authority and our responsibility not to let it happen.”
He urged everyone in the country to not let down their guards, and added that a surge in transmission cases may necessitate border closure and a state of emergency, a situation that will be to the detriment of individuals, businesses, and the national economy. He said declaring a lockdown will create more economic problems than anticipated, and so everyone must cooperate with health authorities to eliminate the pandemic from the island.
In a related development, PAHO director, Dr. Carissa Etienne, encouraged Dominica to do all they can to defeat coronavirus and prevent a second wave from occuring. She pointed out that it is wrong for people to wear their masks under their chin or below their nose, and added that people must maintain social distancing and avoid social festivities that could occasion public gathering.
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