Dominica Health Authorities Worried at Relaxed Approach to COVID

Dominica’s Health and Wellness Minister, Dr. Irving McIntrye has urged Dominicans to take the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic much more seriously after the island recorded three new cases over the past few days.

He said he was concerned at the relaxed approach being adopted by nationals, especially as the island holds a series of activities leading up to the 49th anniversary of political independence from Britain on November 3.

“Today the Ministry of Health, Wellness would like to inform that since our last update on Wednesday …an additional three cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed, which brings Dominica to a total of 38 confirmed cases of which nine are active cases.

“These three additional cases have been recorded over the past seven days. The Ministry is concerned the public has a relax approach to the COVID-19 pandemic and to a great extent are letting down their guards.

Dr. Mcintyre said that while he recognises that Dominica is in a “festive season and we are celebrating our independence and several mass gatherings have been planned.”

But he warned that community transmission is imminent if the protocols outlined by the health authorities here to curb the spread of the virus “are not complied with” reminding Dominicans that the virus has been spreading in several countries mainly because persons there were not complying with the measures, including social distancing and wearing masks.

“Persons are not enforcing the use of masks by relatives coming to their homes, or when hanging out with close friends at bars and enclosed places,” Dr. McIntyre said, adding that the authorities will begin a new round of community testing this weekend.

“However, the fight is far from over and the risks continue to exist. We employ you to do all in your power to protect the most vulnerable by complying with all of the protocols that the Ministry of Health has been promoting,” he added.

CMC

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