Upon a Covid-19 update for Dominica on Wednesday 12th January 2022, Dr. David Johnson, Chief Medical Officer announced that during the last seven days there has been an average of seventy-two (72) Covid positive cases per day. According to him, many persons have dropped their guards over the Christmas holidays.
Johnson pronounced, “We are monitoring the positive variants of antigen testing in all of our seven health districts and the Accident and Emergency Department at the Dominica China Friendship Hospital.” He continued, “We are pleased that the covid-19 positive variants has decreased significantly in two communities where we have been seeing a cluster of cases over the Christmas holidays.”
However, Johnson notes that there has been an increase in positive cases in a particular health district following the holidays. “We remain concerned about the situation in another health district where the positivity rate has moved from 6% from the end of December 2021 to 17% for the week ending January 8th 2022. This could be as a result of more aggressive testing in that health district but it is too early to tell,” he stated.
Moreover, with respect to the admission at the Covid-19 care complex, Johnson pointed out that 70% of admitted patients are asymptomatic and seldom develop severe symptoms. Nevertheless, the authorities continue to provide the most ideal care to every admitted patient.
Furthermore, he highlighted that as of Monday 10th January, 2022 there has been a revised isolation protocol. The protocol posits that vaccinated patients who are asymptomatic will be allowed to isolate at home. However, vaccinated patients who are symptomatic will require an assessment by a health professional approved by the Ministry of Health, Wellness and New Health Investments to determine the need for admission, based on the clinical presentation and findings.
In addition, unvaccinated patients who are asymptomatic will be allowed to isolate at home with a red wristband. On the other hand, unvaccinated symptomatic patients will be admitted at the Covid care complex or the Dominica China Friendship Hospital.
It is noteworthy that there is a specific category of persons who will be admitted whether or not they are symptomatic. These include persons 55 years and older with chronic medical condition, individuals with chronic medical conditions or underlying medical conditions and individuals defined to break the risk of home isolation protocol if sent home.
Additionally, Johnson notes that the Covid-19 vaccination campaign continues. “Our primary aim here in Dominica is to reduce Covid-19 burden and the viral transmission, reduce death and severe disease due to covid-19 and protect the health system as well as to restore social and economic life,” he articulated.
With this said, he urged all citizens to play their part. He advised, “Those who are eligible please get vaccinated and continue to adhere to the health protocols.” The fight against Covid-19 is a fight in which everyone has a critical role to play, authorities and citizens alike.
