COVID-19 is a global war says Dominican PM Dr Skerrit on DBS

Prime Minister of Commonwealth of Dominica Dr Roosevelt Skerrit and Minister Dr Irving McIntyre addressed the people on national radio over the subject of COVID-19.

Dr Skerrit and Dr McIntyre both wore a mask during the address in the studio of DBS radio station. Also, the country is preparing to set up a COVID-19 hospital in ten days. Besides this, advanced lab facilities are being set up to fight Coronavirus in Dominica

Prime Minister emphasised on maintaining social-distancing to minimise the spread of Coronavirus after twelve people were tested positive for the virus in the island nation.

As Dominica is a tourist country, Coronavirus has desolated the revenues and economy of this island nation. Speaking about the economy, PM Dr Skerrit stated, " There is a major impact on the economy, productivity is not on the level it should be, revenue is affected, and International trades dropped. Besides this, hotels are empty, which means no revenue is coming to the tourism industry."

Furthermore, he referred to COVID-19 as a global crisis and global war and state that everybody is in this together, and nobody should lose hope.

Cuban Medical Personnel is also assisting Dominica in this tough situation "When we requested Cuba, they send medical staff in no time, and they are going through all the necessary protocols of the health ministry, and we are grateful to Cuba for this." said Dominican Prime Minister.

Dr Skerrit stated that Dominica has the advanced machines and personnel is trained to function them.

Minister Dr Irving McIntyre added that in case of any uncertainties, six ambulances with extraordinary capabilities are on standby along with other experienced and professional medical staff, and advanced testing equipments are being used.

Dr McIntyre stated that the country has qualified staff to function the advanced machines, we can get the testing results in Dominica, unlike other island countries who are sending the blood samples to Trinidad. They wait for results for several days.

Minister also stated that there is currently a facility to admit more ten to fifteen patients, and the country is working on setting up more beds in alternative areas as it is an ongoing process.

Furthermore, Dr McIntyre stated that there are around six quarantine facilities right on in Dominica, where the suspects are being treated very well by the medical staff. He also stated that the rumours of patients escaping the quarantine facility are false, the securities are making sure nobody breaks out. He added that once the patients are out of the threats of COVID-19 they will be sent back to their homes.

He stated staff is also checking the symptoms of people on home quarantine, and they are getting their temperature and other things checked on a frequent basis.