Dominica: PM Skerrit says government not planning a lockdown, borders to stay open

Prime Minister of Dominica Dr Roosevelt Skerrit said that the government is not planning any lockdown, and the borders will also remain close.

Monday, 17th January 2022

Prime Minister of Dominica Dr Roosevelt Skerrit said that the government is not planning any lockdown, and the borders will also remain close. PM made the remarks while interacting with the News Editor of DBS Curtis Matthew and the Programme Director at Kairi FM Steve Vidal during his recent episode of Anou Palay on Sunday. During the Anou Palay, PM answered several questions asked by the two famous journalists of the country.

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YP3tjH-PDn0[/embed]

While answering questions, PM said that the recent spike of COVID-19 cases in Dominica is associated with family gatherings during the holiday season. He added that the current situation related to the pandemic is "manageable" as the government is utilising a multi-tier strategy to handle it. "There is no need to go to any lockdown stage, and we don't see any lockdown taking place anytime soon; we will not be closing our borders at all," said the Prime Minister. He said there is no requirement for lockdown. However, a collective effort is needed to handle the situation. PM called on the general public to continue washing hands, wearing face masks and avoiding gatherings. Furthermore, he added that currently, the government is not planning to make a vaccine mandate for public sector employees. He added that Dominica has sufficient vaccines to give a booster dose to the entire population. Economic Activity While discussing the economic situation of Dominica, Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit said the major challenge is to manage the cost of COVID-19 related expenditure, along with keeping the general public safe. He said the government is stringently following the fiscal policies to cushion external shocks. Prime Minister said that to continue the economic activity, the government is promoting construction works, and so far, there have been no reports of coronavirus cases at the construction sites. "We have a plan, a strategy, and we are following the plan; we have been very responsible and responsive to the industry people," said PM Skerrit. Events amid pandemic PM Skerrit said entertainers call the "Carnival" to happen this year. He said the government is having internal discussions about it, and some protocols, guidelines are being drafted. "I think it is a critical discussion to prepare ourselves for any eventualities, prepare protocols for sporting events, social events, regulation of weddings," said the PM.