Dominica: PM Roosevelt Skerrit encourages people to get vaccinated against COVID-19

Prime Minister of Dominica Dr Roosevelt Skerrit expressed concerns on increasing numbers of older people catching COVID-19 in Dominica. During his address on Kairi FM on Monday, he said that people are not getting their grandparents or parents vaccinated, leading them into catching severe coronavirus disease. PM Skerrit said that no person has been able to give a sensible answer as to why they do not want to get vaccinated. He said Dominica has three different vaccines available, and people must benefit while the doses are available.

He said the government could not allow face-to-face school classes because a significant number of teachers are unvaccinated. PM said the Pfizer vaccine is suitable for children above 12-year-old and once kids are vaccinated, circumstances might be changed.

He said many older people with underlying diseases are getting the infection and some unfortunate ones losing their lives.

Prime Minister asked the public to act responsibly and get the elderly and children vaccinated. He said people with cancer, hypertension, diabetes, kidney-related problems are most vulnerable even under normal circumstances.

Furthermore, he said some businesses require their unvaccinated employees to get tested for COVID-19 every seven days. He said at some point; such individuals will have to pay for getting tested.

He said taking a COVID-19 vaccine is a choice, but people must exercise their choices sensibly.

"We cannot want our grandparents or parents vaccinated after they've died; how many senior citizens we are going to let die so that people understand," stated Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit.

Prime Minister asked the vaccinated individuals to encourage their non-vaccinated family members and acquaintances to take the jab.

"Doctors and nurses are having a hard time keeping people alive; I am doing all I can as Prime Minister and Minister of Finance to ensure that the state has the resources to take care of people who are sick," stated Prime Minister.

Furthermore, he said the government cannot prevent people from getting infected, and the public must exercise caution by following all the protocols.

He said the government acted promptly to source vaccines, and Dominica was the first country in the Caribbean to have PCR testing for COVID-19, among other progressive policies.