Roseau, Dominica: Dr Shalaudin Ahmed, the National Epidemiologist, provided an update on the COVID-19 virus of December 16, 2021. In total, 29 new cases have been recorded in the Caribbean island, out of which twenty-seven individuals tested positive by Rapid Antigen Test and the remaining two tested positive by RT-PCR testing.

With the confirmation of these additional cases, the toll of active COVID-19 infections in Dominica rises to 401.

The data shared by Dr Ahmed further notes that till December 16, 2021, a total of forty-four individuals lost their lives to the deadliest mutant on the island.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic emerged in Dominica, a total of 5985 patients successfully recovered from the contagious mutant and got discharged from the hospital facilities, Dr Ahmed cited while giving an update.

Dr Ahmed noted that 54.8 percent of the target population is vaccinated atleast by taking one jab of the COVID-19 vaccine, whereas a total of 51.6 percent of the total targeted population is now fully vaccinated by receiving the required number of the WHO-approved COVID-19 vaccines.

The island is currently having a positivity rate of 3.2 percent. Out of the new cases recorded, 39 percent are asymptomatic, while 61 percent are those who have mild symptoms.

In terms of the severity of the active cases, 3 percent are severe, 48 percent moderate, and 49 percent are mild.

As per the statistics, out of the total deaths reported, 19 were male and 25 female.

Dr Ahmed further stressed down that majority of the individuals who scummed to the deadly virus were not vaccinated.

Furthermore, he urged the general public to follow the COVID-19 health protocols and measures such as – wearing masks, maintaining a social distance, avoiding social gatherings, and sanitizing frequently.

Dr Ahmes highlighted that vaccination is the sole way in this fight against the deadliest COVID-19 virus while encouraging them to get themselves immunised.