A staff member of Dominica-China hospital tests COVID positive: Dr James

The new clusters of the COVID-19 virus in Dominica continue to spread rapidly. On Saturday morning, the CEO of Dominica-China Friendship Hospital, Dr Dextar James, addressed the public. He said four staff members of the hospital have tested positive for the virus in rapid testing.

Dr James said that four staff members underwent a COVID-19 antigen testing on Thursday, and all four turned out positive, however in RT-PCR testing, only one tested positive.

He said the positive staff member is symptomatic and is admitted to the St James COVID Unit, while the three others are quarantined at the government facility.

The hospital has cancelled all visitations. Any person who wishes to drop off items for their family members can deliver at the main gate with the patient's name indicated on the package. Besides this, all in-patient services, including clinics, are also cancelled, all surgeries are also cancelled. While people with life-threatening diseases can still come for their treatment like chemotherapy, dialysis will remain available daily.

Dr James said the emergency department would only be open for life-threatening diseases or accidents. He said any person experiencing flu-like symptoms should not visit the hospital and must call the hotline numbers. Hospital staff with flu-like symptoms are also advised to remain home and get assistance through the COVID helpline.

He said as the COVID-19 spreads islandwide, all nurses and doctors on leave are called back to handle the situation. Dr James said private transportation is also arranged for staff members to ensure their safety.

Furthermore, he discussed the significance of vaccines and urged all to their shots.

"In light of this, the hospital administration embarked on a know your status testing initiative for the staff; testing commenced on Saturday," CEO of Dominica-China Friendship Hospital. He added that 124 members of staff received antigen testing, and all are negative. The testing at the hospital will continue till Friday 13, August 2021.

Dr James said ten staff members are trained to conduct the test on their colleagues. He also urged the hospital staff to register with their supervisors to get tested.