Dominica: 45 new COVID-19 cases after cluster in Pottersville

Dominica: Additional 45 new COVID-19 cases are reported in Dominica following the cluster in Potterville, which led country into a strict lockdown. The Ministry of Health held a press briefing on 4th August 2021, which was focused on presenting recent COVID-19 statistics in Dominica.

The conference was addressed by the Minister of Health, Wellness and New Health Investment, Dr Irving McIntyre and National Epidemiologist Dr Shalauddin Ahmed.

National Epidemiologist Dr Shalauddin Ahmed, while updating the statistics of COVID-19, highlighted that total COVID-19 active cases are 45 in Dominica out of these cases, 42 have been categorised in local transmission, and other 6-8 cases have been imported cases. From the time pandemic hit the country, 209 cases have been recovered in the country. Till now, no death has been reported due to COVID-19 on the island. Out of total 45 positive persons, 38 percent are males and 62 percent are females.

The government has investigated 120 contacts in Dominica, out of which 40 are positive and are under isolation, therefore, 61 were reported negative. Still, 19 tests have been under pendency.

Dr McIntyre said that during the time of the COVID-19 pandemic, the public should not let their guard down. At this time, people should follow all COVID-19 measures. New strict COVID-19 protocols have been imposed on citizens of Dominica to curb the community spread.

According to the new protocols, Dominica would remain under strict lockdown for the next 7 days. These protocols were forced after a cluster of 12 positive cases was discovered in Pottersville, Dominica.

The person who has been in public would be exempted from the prohibitions if he would be under the following conditions-:

1-Travelling from home to work if the person would be listed as an essential worker.

2-Urgent medical care.

3- Shopping for the necessities.

4-Doing any banking transaction.

5-Working in the farming sector or construction.

Minister Dr McIntyre said that these measures were imposed to limit the movement of the public to mitigate the spread of the COVID-19 virus.