Dominica issues new COVID-19 guidelines for kids over 2 years of age

Press briefing has been organised by the Ministry of Health, Wellness and New Health Investment on 21 July 2021. The meeting focused on telling recent COVID-19 statistics of Dominica, an overview of the work being done by the ministry.

The conference was attended by the Minister of Health, Wellness and New Health Investment Dr Irving McIntyre, permanent secretary in Ministery of Health, Wellness and New Health Investment, an officer in charge in the office of Chief Medical Officer Dr Laura Esprit and National Epidemiologist Dr Shalauddin Ahmed.

National Epidemiologist Dr Shalauddin Ahmed, in the starting, while giving an update on COVID-19 stats of Dominica, said that there had been 13 active COVID-19 cases, a total of 196 recovered COVID-19 cases till resent. He said that had been no death reported due to COVID-19 on the island. A cluster of 11 COVID-19 cases has been found, out of which 5 are locals and 6 imported cases. 1 additional imported COVID-19 case was also reported during testing under 5 days quarantine. The active cases consist of 5 males and 8 females. 3 cases are under the age of 10.

According to Health Ministry, 19550 has fully vaccinated in Dominica till 21 July, and 20784 people have taken the only first dose of coronavirus vaccine so far. Dominica has 1% of positivity rate. Total 45% adults and 27 % of the total population are fully vaccinated in Dominica.

Dr Esprit informed that six travellers from the British Virgin Islands, on 6 July 2021, out of which two of them were fully vaccinated. All the travel health COVID-19 protocols were followed.

Minister of Health, Wellness and New Health Investment Dr Irving McIntyre, while addressing the conference, said that COVID-19 had not to get over it’ll be having its effects in our day to day life in future also. Cabinet has taken the decision to make minor changes in the ongoing COVID-19 protocols.

The changes would come into effect from 23 July 2021. As the execution of these new changes Government of Dominica said that health questionnaire should be submitted prior to travelling in which the travellers of 2 years or more. PCR- test results should be uploaded prior to travelling for 2years or more age group.

According to the Minister of Health, Wellness and New Health Investment, Dr Irving McIntyre, the primary contact would be transferred to government-operated quarantine facilities. No primary contact would be allowed to be quarantined at a personal residence.

Dr Irving McIntyre noted that at the end of the month, Dominica would be getting more AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines. In the coming months, Dominica would also receive more vaccines.