COVID-19 could get worse before it gets better: PM Roosevelt Skerrit

Roseau, Dominica: The prime minister of Dominica, Dr. Roosevelt Skerrit, addressed the country and discussed coronavirus's condition across the globe and within the country. The prime minister discussed coronavirus's current situation in Dominica and stated there are thirteen active cases in the country.

Prime Minister noted that 106 patients with the virus have successfully recovered while the country recorded 119 cases since the pandemic began.

"The thirteen active cases are all imported cases identified during the PCR testing on entry and on day five testing at the quarantine facility," added the Dominican Prime Minister.

Further, PM Roosevelt Skerrit stated that the ministry of health continues to test the people on arrival in Dominica.

Prime Minister stated that the vaccination has come up as a hope; however, it may not be fully available for at least the next nine months.

He stated that the scientists indicate that the upcoming few months can be crucial where the virus is expected to worsen as the new COVID-19 variant rapidly spreads and already entered several other countries outside the UK and South Africa.

"It could get worse before it gets better." said the Dominican PM in the context of the rapidly increasing cases of the new coronavirus variant.

He added the new UK coronavirus variant has already been detected in half a dozen Caribbean countries. There has been a spike in coronavirus cases since Christmas in sister nations.

"The current global profile of COVID-19 suggests that this is no time for any nation to let down its guard down."

Prime Minister emphasized that there is a real danger of the new COVID-19 variant happening in Dominica. He urged citizens and residents to follow the basic guidelines to keep the country open.

He advised people to wear face masks in all public places, including on buses, restaurants, in small or larger crowds.

Prime Minister condemned the people for not wearing a face mask by giving a vague excuse of Dominica have minimal coronavirus cases.

Dr. Skerrit stated that this week the global coronavirus cases surpassed the massive number of 100 million with over 2 million virus-related deaths.

Prime Minister stated that pandemic caused economic and social destruction.

"Tens of million people have fallen into extreme poverty because of the widespread economic dislocation it has caused. Every region in this world has been touched," added Dr. Roosevelt Skerrit.