Govt will not pass any law to make COVID vaccine mandatory: PM Roosevelt Skerrit

Roseau, Dominica: Prime Minister of Dominica, Dr Roosevelt Skerrit, in his recent address to the nation, stated that some samples of COVID-19 patients have been sent to examine the presence of any of the known variants of coronavirus. He also said that no law will be passed to make vaccine compulsory for anyone.

PM said that the government is listening to the advice of scientists and medical professionals to tackle the coronavirus on the island.

He said that prior to the month of August 2021, everyone in Dominica spoke about Covid-19 in very general and abstract terms. However, the situation changed, and coronavirus cases soared from 218 on July 31st to 1339. He warned people that the country does not have the capacity for a major wave. [caption id="attachment_37032" align="aligncenter" width="314"] Recent COVID-19 update of Dominica[/caption] "Hundreds of our brothers and sisters who were this time last month roaming free and in good health are today in various facilities across this country, enduring, to varying degrees, the impact and effects of having contracted the coronavirus," stated Prime Minister Dr Roosevelt Skerrit.

PM Skerrit further said that he has suspicion that one of the coronavirus variants is present in Dominica, which contributed to the rapid surge of coronavirus cases islandwide.

He said as Dominica is part of the global community, it will be impacted by the purveyance of these many variants currently active and being transmitted across the globe.

He also discussed the current situation of coronavirus in the neighbouring islands of

Martinique and Guadeloupe. PM said the pandemic spared none and impacted communities and economies in the northern Caribbean.

Prime Minister stated that his thoughts and prayers are with all those people who tested positive for coronavirus and are undergoing treatments.

He said COVID could be avoided, and the people who are on the frontline have safeguarded themselves from the virus by taking necessary precautions. PM said before there were vaccines, healthcare workers remained safe by washing hands, maintaining social distancing, washing hands, wearing face masks and other protective measures. He asked the general public to follow the guidelines to keep safe. "I know that in spite of all the theories circulating in Dominica, there is no one who wishes tomorrow or next week to test positive for the SARS Coronavirus. And that is the crux of the discussion I wish to have with you this evening," stated Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit.

He said additional coronavirus related supplies, including testing kits, are en route to Dominica. PM said the country already has ventilators and other needed equipment to handle the virus.

Furthermore, Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit said that Dominica ensured an adequate supply of coronavirus vaccines and working feverishly to acquire the infrastructure to house and administer the highly acclaimed Pfizer vaccine, a donation from the US government.

"We will get all the vaccines to Dominica. I will go as far as to say; we will get all the vaccines within reach of every community in Dominica," stated Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit

He emphasized that vaccines will not be made mandatory for anybody in Dominica.

"If you refuse to be vaccinated, if you refuse to wear a mask, if you refuse to social distance and practice healthy habits, the chances are high that you will contract the virus and that you will pass it onto others," stated Prime Minister.

He noted that if all necessary precautions are not taken to reduce the positivity rate, then Dominica might get on the "Do Not Visit" list of some countries.

"We do not have gold; we do not have oil. We are not a large exporter of goods or services. We need our ports of entry open, and we need to trade and do business with the outside world. If we do not unite to fight covid, covid will defeat us. " stated PM Skerrit.

He said the government is doing everything to manage the spread of the virus across Dominica, including supply of vaccines, stocking up supplies, adequate accommodation for a reasonable number of persons who may catch the virus.

Prime Minister said he do not support the imposition of draconian measures right now, "I have the recommendations before me, but I will wait a little longer. I believe that Dominicans have learnt from these past three weeks."