National Epidemiologist, Dr. Shalauddin Ahmed, informed the public that the total number of active cases in Dominica is 684, as of September 3rd 2021. Of this total, 11 cases are PCR positive cases while 673 are rapid antigen positive cases. In addition to that, the total number of new cases is 47. There is also one new Covid related death which takes the total to five Covid-19 related deaths.
Furthermore, National Coordinator of the Home Isolation Programme, Dr. Gilda Nesty-Tonge spoke on the current protocols and challenges faced with home isolation. She explained, “At present 187 people are home isolated and closely monitored by the team members of the Home Isolation Programme.”
Dr. Nesty urged the home isolated persons and their caretakers to exercise extreme caution when being exposed to each other. There must be proper sanitization and disposal of all things utilized by the infected person.
To ensure that persons adhere to the home isolation protocols, each home isolated person is given a red wristband. However, Dr. Nesty notes that a few persons entrusted with being home isolated have found crafty ways to escape home isolation.
She expressed sternly, “Ladies and gentlemen, please be aware that Covid-19 is a public health risk. The rapid spread now encountered and the seriousness of the symptoms associated cannot be ignored. The Ministry of Health, Wellness and New Health Investment along with the Government of Dominica, therefore ask you to please respect and adhere to all Covid-19 home isolation protocols.
Moreover, Cabinet has approved new amendments to the Environmental Health Services Covid-19 Regulations S.R.O 26/2021. Pursuant to the amendments, supermarkets and pharmacies are now permitted to open on Sundays from 6:00 am to 1:00 pm while gas stations are allowed to open on Sundays from 6:00am to 1:00pm.
Other amendments are being considered by the Cabinet which may take effect from this upcoming Monday. The public is encouraged to continue following all safety measures.
