Prime Minister Hon. Roosevelt Skerrit assured the nation in an address on Sunday evening that his Government has been preparing for the day Dominica records its first case of COVID-19. He said, “This day has been feared but this day has been prepared for”.

Dominica recorded its first confirmed case of COVID-19 and the Minister of Health Hon. Irving McIntyre informed the nation on Sunday. A 54 year old man who recently returned from the United Kingdom is the country’s first confirmed case. This put the country at level 2 which is described as having a presence of the virus but not yet knowing whether it has been spread.

The Prime Minister said that his Government will take a four stage approach which includes suspending School from Monday 23 March, intensifying screening and beefing up security, stocking up on vital supplies especially medication and following international practices and guidelines. He said that a statement on mandatory quarantine will be given later in the week.

The Prime Minister reminded citizens that while they should stock up on essential items, they should not panic or hoard. He said further that about 90% of individuals globally recover from COVID-19, therefore persons should not be afraid to get tested or to self quarantine.

The Prime Minister said that while additional cases are anticipated there is a clear module to follow. Citizens are expected to work with health officials to minimize the impact and spread of COVID-19. Moreover we must be responsible and alert and listen to official Government statements and not be fooled by fake news.

Hon. Skerrit reminded Dominicans that we have a resilience that is admired by many and it is this same resilience which has seen us through many storms and Hurricanes and which will see us through this Pandemic