COVID-19: 93% deaths confirmed in Dominica were unvaccinated

Roseau: As of October 7th 2021, Dominica reported additional 52 new cases of COVID-19 (44- Rapid Antigen Testing and 7 RT-PCR testing) which brings a total number of active cases to 468, with 3454 persons being fully recovered from the deadly virus, said Dr Shalauddin Ahmed, National Epidemiologist of Dominica. The Commonwealth of Dominica has reported a total number of 26 deaths in the country related to the global pandemic, which includes 13 males and 13 females. Most of the cases had underlying medical conditions. 92% of individuals who succumbed to COVID-19 were unvaccinated. According to data provided by the Ministry of health, 49.6% of the target population, which also includes the 12 years and over group, are vaccinated with at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. At the same time, 41% of the target population is now fully vaccinated. The target population is measured at 53,281, which accounts for 76% of the total population of Dominica. 11,592 people are required to get vaccinated, after which Dominica will achieve herd immunity.

National Epidemiologist also added that at 70% herd immunity, the target population is 50,400 and at this stage, Dominika will be at 43% mark of fully vaccinated individuals in the country. The number of cases on average per day went down from 55 cases to 50 cases as the cases are receiving an initial downward trend.

With the proportion of vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals, it was revealed that 75% of persons who are positive with COVID-19 are unvaccinated with the vaccine. Following the detail of active cases, over 79% of persons active with the virus are mild to asymptomatic. Whereas, 13% are showing moderate symptoms and are recovering well. 7% are admitted to the hospital in the COVID-19 unit for treatment. According to Yale University Professor, Jeffrey Townsend, Dr Ahmed emphasised the infection in unvaccinated people is possible within three months. “Therefore, those who have been naturally infected should get vaccinated. Previous infection alone can offer very little long-term protection against subsequent infections.”