Laboratory Superintendent, Mrs. Catherina Jemmot, outlined that the laboratory has played a key role in the defense against Covid-19.
With the recent increase in Covid-19 cases over the last sixteen days, the laboratory has had a greater workload. She notes, “This increase in workload requires us to pay closer attention to our processes in order to maintain quality.”
Mrs. Jemmot stated that there are plans to increase the laboratory testing capacity. This will be achieved by utilizing an additional testing facility in Portsmouth, training of health care personnel by PAHO and by purchasing advanced equipment to process up to 400 PCR tests daily.
Dr. Laura Esprit, Director of Primary Health Care Services, stated that the general public has failed to adhere to the protocols. The neglected protocols have led to the rapid incline of Covid-19 cases across the island, with most positive cases identified in the Roseau Health District.
According to Dr. Esprit, the Ministry of Health, Wellness and New Health Investment has took effective steps to combat Covid-19 by implementing various testing sites, mobilizing testing teams, reallocating resources and amending protocols.
The Chief Medical Officer, Dr. David Johnson, stated that the Ministry of Health has implemented a new isolation and quarantine protocol which takes effect from August 13th 2021. Dr. Johnson explained, “In the new isolation and quarantine protocol, a Covid-19 case is defined as any patient who, whether symptomatic or asymptomatic, has a positive rapid antigen test or positive PCR test for Covid-19.”
The new protocol provides that all symptomatic positive Covid-19 cases, whether vaccinated or unvaccinated, are to be placed in a government approved facility whereby a PCR test will be administered on day five. If the said test is positive, the patient will be isolated for fourteen (14) days.
Furthermore, all positive asymptomatic cases who have received full vaccination at least two weeks prior to the positive antigen test, will be allowed to home quarantine with a wrist band which will be removed on the 11th day.
All positive asymptomatic cases, who are unvaccinated will quarantine in a government approved facility. On day five, an antigen test will be administered. If positive, the patient has to isolate for 10 days. If negative, the patient will be allowed to home quarantine with a wrist band for an additional 5 days.
With the implementation of the new protocols, the public is urged to adhere to all measures put in place to safeguard the general population.
