Dominica Records Second Case Of Coronavirus

ROSEAU, Dominica, March 23, 2020 (CMC) – Less than 24 hours after announcing its first case of the coronavirus (COVID-19), Dominican health authorities reported, today, that a 51-year-old man had become the island’s second positive case.

The Ministry of Health, Wellness and New Health Investment said that the man, a Dominican citizen, had returned, here, from the United Kingdom.

“This individual, as per protocol, was placed under home quarantine, from the time of arrival to Dominica, and has been under surveillance by a medical team. The individual is currently admitted and is receiving treatment in a special isolated unit and will remain there until recovery,” the ministry said.

It said that, in keeping with public health practices, the Ministry of Health has initiated aggressive contact-tracing to identify every individual, who may have come into close contact with said patient.

“All individuals, identified during contact-tracing, will be tested and placed under quarantine. Our main focus, as a Ministry, is to ensure containment and prevent in-country transmission. We are reassuring the public that all necessary actions are being undertaken.”

The ministry said it was urging the general public to continue to follow proper hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette, adding “we strongly encourage persons to maintain social-distancing and quarantine, as advised”.

“The public is further advised to inform health officials in their districts of anyone not adhering to quarantine measures.  The Ministry of Health is committed to continuing to provide all necessary information, as the situation unfolds, to the people of the Commonwealth of Dominica, on measures to be taken to ensure the health and safety of all Dominicans.”

Last night, Prime Minister, Roosevelt Skerrit, said he anticipates, “in a day or two, we shall be announcing new measures and regulations, with respect to the opening of our ports of entry”.

“The experience of other countries suggests that the virus’ impact in, and on, Dominica will intensify, but, for now, we can only hope for the best, while preparing for the worst,” Skerrit added.