The Ministry of Health on Wednesday, informed the nation that at present there are forty-five active Covid-19 Cases in Dominica.
According to national Epidemiologist Dr. Shaluddin Ahmed, 42 of the 45 positive cases are local transmitted, while 3 are imported.
Ahmed said that most of the cases are part of The Lot event cluster. He added that while many are asymptomatic and unvaccinated, there are many more symptomatic cases than in the previous wave. Clinical presentations of the symptomatic cases include fever, mild cough, headache, body aches, loss of taste and diarrhea.
According to Ahmed, 120 contacts have been PCR tested, of which 40 are positive, 61 are negative and 19 are pending.
Meanwhile, Health Minister Hon. Dr. Irving McIntyre, said that waves of the disease is expected when persons let their guards down.
“It is to be understood that pandemics such a the Covid-19 pandemic will always present fluctuations in cases ultimately leading to waves. In some cases second, third and even fourth and fifth waves have been experienced in many countries regionally and internationally. This is more likely to happen when we, the public, let our guards down in following the public health measures and social measures that have been put in place. In addition, the new variants and illegal entry is also a major contributing factor for such waves”.
He cautioned that this is not a time to panic or lose hope but rather to rally together and fight this common challenge. He said that one of the proven methods is limiting the movement of persons hence the reason why SRO 19 of 2021 came into effect.
Dr. McIntyre announced that a new testing center has been opened at the players Pavillion at the Windsor Park Sports Stadium and persons may also get tested at all Type 3 Health Centers throughout the island. He said that persons experiencing flu like symptoms should remain home and call the COVID-19 Hotline at 448-2171, 448-2153, 611-4321.
The Minister called on everyone to cooperate and follow the health and safety measures so as to keep everyone safe. He again called on everyone to get vaccinated.
