According to National Epidemiologist, Dr. Shalauddin Ahmed, as of September 30th 2021, there are 47 new Covid-19 cases, of which forty-five (45) are antigen positive and two (2) are PCR positive. Moreover, the total active cases in Dominica is 575. While there are 3006 recovered cases, it is noteworthy that the current Covid-19 associated deaths has increased to twenty-one (21).
In addition, Dr. Ahmed explained that 48% of the target population has taken at least one dose of the vaccine. Furthermore, 40% of the target population are now fully vaccinated.
As per the daily trend from July 28th to September 30th 2021, Dr. Ahmed expressed, “On average, we have seen about 55 cases per day.” Further, he noted that 4% of the positive cases (22 persons) are severe. Additionally 6% of the positive cases (28 persons) are experiencing moderate symptoms while the remaining 90% of the active cases are experiencing mild symptoms or are asymptomatic.
Moreover, Dr. Ahmed informed that the severe to moderate cases are accommodated at three facilities which include the St. James Isolation facility in Portsmouth, the CAC facility and the Dominica China Friendship Hospital. At the St. James facility, only six (6) persons are vaccinated out of the total of 22 active cases accommodated there. At the CAC facility, there are 28 cases of which only five (5) persons are vaccinated. Furthermore, at the Dominica China Friendship Hospital there are six (6) cases, all of whom are unvaccinated.
With respect to the vaccinated status of the active cases, Dr. Ahmed explained that there is an increase in the vaccination status as the age ranges increase. To solidify his point, he explained that 21% of the active cases between the age ranges of 18 to 35 are vaccinated whereas 33% of the active cases between the age ranges of 35 to 65 are vaccinated.
Notably, 45% of persons who are 65 years and above are vaccinated. This in itself is comforting news since the elderly population in Dominica have been dying and suffering the brunt of the virus.
Quite disheartening is the increase in Covid-associated deaths over the last few weeks. As of September 30th 2021, there are 21 Covid-19 related deaths of which 8 are males and 13 are females. Dr. Ahmed noted that the age range of the deceased patients is 46-95 years of age with a median age of 81 years old. It is worthy of note that 90% of the Covid-associated deaths had comorbid medical conditions.
With the increase in deaths, specifically of the unvaccinated, Dr. Ahmed once again urged persons to get vaccinated. He stressed, “Vaccination helps.” Accordingly, he believes that everyone has a responsibility to safeguard his or her life and that of others.
