Dominica goes into weekend lockdown, unvaccinated blamed for spike in cases
/ Our Today
administrator
Only essential workers will be allowed to leave their homes over the weekend, as Dominica heads into another lockdown.
Prime Minister of Dominica Dr Roosevelt Skerrit announced the lockdown as he addressed the nation in a televised broadcast on Friday (August 6).
The lockdown, which began on Friday at 6 p.m., will remain in effect till Monday (August 9) at 5 a.m.
According to Skerrit, the lockdown was necessary to combat a surge in COVID-19 cases, noting that over a 48-hour period the country had recorded more than 100 new infections.
“On Monday August 3, 2021 I informed you of a growing cluster of COVID-19 cases. I also stated that based on the observations so far, the current COVID-19 virus is very contagious. As of today (August 6) there are 103 confirmed PCR tested positive cases, ” began Skerrit in his address.
“Out of this 103 approximately 90 per cent of the cases are unvaccinated. In addition today, 29 individuals have received positive antigen test results out of the 407 tested so far, ” added Skerrit.
Skerrit said that based on the advice of health care workers, the lockdown was necessary to limit movement, as well as, facilitate the contact tracing process.
” This will be an absolute curfew only essential workers, for example : nurses, doctors, police and fire officers and those who provide various services at the various public health facilities, airport and seaport workers and people seeking urgent medical attention, will be allowed to be on the road ” said Skerrit.
“ In short, everywhere will be closed this weekend, except the government health facilities and the air and sea ports,” added Skerrit.
Skerrit further shared that President Charles Savarin had amended the State of Emergency legislation to allow for the curfew measures.
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