Dominica’s National Epidemiologist, Dr. Shaluddin Ahmed informed the nation on Wednesday that while the total number of COVID-19 cases has risen to 42, there are only 9 active cases on island.

Ahmed said, “The last seven cases are from three different communities in three different health districts. Of the seven, the five of them are from one community, identified as contacts of a positive case from one particular village”.

He continued, “These five cases were detected through contact investigation in community drives”.

Ahmed said that the Ministry has initiated community screening drives as part of community based surveillance. So far, three communities in three health districts have already been completed.

Ahmed reported that out of 45 persons tested using PCR testing, only one was positive and the individual was a contact of someone who had already tested positive. All 60 persons tested using serological testing were negative.

Ahmed said that there are 43 results pending. These 43 individuals were identified through contact tracing.

Ahmed thanked the public who are adhering to the protocols and reminded all Dominicans that as we celebrate our independence, we must be mindful of the effect of our behavior on others.

“We need to continue to act in ways that prevent the spread of COVID-19”, he said.