Dominica gets 30,000 rapid antigen testing kits from China

Dominica on Friday received 30,000 rapid antigen COVID-19 testing kits from the People's Republic of China. Prime Minister Dr Roosevelt Skerrit himself went to receive aid from the Charge d'Affaires of the Chinese Embassy in Dominica.

He thanked the government and people of China for the generous gift to help Dominica in its fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

Prime Minister Skerrit wrote on Twitter, "On behalf of the people of Dominica, I convey my sincere gratitude to the Government and People of China for the gift of 30,000 rapid antigen tests."

He was accompanied by Minister for Foreign Affairs, International Business and Diaspora Relations Dr Kenneth Darroux and Minister for Health, Wellness and New Health Investment Dr Irving Mc Intyre.

Prime Minister Skerrit also thanked Charge d'Affaires of the Chinese Embassy in Dominica Luo Songtao. He said the additional supply of antigen tests would boost the efforts to curb the spread of COVID-19.

"We thank the Chinese Government for this latest gesture of friendship and solidarity." said the Prime Minister.

Furthermore, PM Skerrit noted that China had supported Dominica's fight against COVID-19 with previous donations of 10,000 PCR test kits and 20,000 doses of the Sinopharm vaccine, as well ventilators, surgical masks, other protective gear and medical supplies.

Dominica and China shares a longstanding relationship and People's Republic of China has been a good friend for the country. From past several years, China is helping Dominica strengthen their medical infrastructure.

In October 2019, the Dominica-China Friendship Hospital was opened with generous aid and assistance from People's Republic of China. Even during the pandemic, China helped Dominica with medical supplies including testing kits, vaccines, masks and more.

The recent donation of 30,000 Rapid Antigen Testing kits will bolster the COVID-19 testing on the country as it is undergoing several challenges caused by the recent wave of coronavirus.