NEWS WRAP: COVID-19 in the Caribbean (January 14, 2022)
Dominica revises COVID-19 isolation and quarantine protocols
Last January 10, the government of Dominica has implemented a new set of protocols and procedures in handling COVID-19 cases.
Dr. David Johnson, Chief Medical Officer of Dominica’s Ministry of Health, made the announcement in a press briefing Wednesday.
In the revised isolation and quarantine protocols, “vaccinated patients who are symptomatic will require an assessment by a health professional approved by the Ministry of Health to determine the need for admission based on the clinical presentation and findings,” Dr. Johnson explained.
The protocol of asymptomatic vaccinated residents to stay at home and isolate if they get a positive result remains unchanged. Unvaccinated patients who are asymptomatic will be allowed to isolate at home, too.
“A red band will be placed on the wrist as it’s currently being done for vaccinated cases. Symptomatic cases will be admitted to the Covid Care Complex or the Dominica-China Friendship Hospital as the case applies,” Dr. Johnson said.
Moreover, those will be asked to be admitted to the hospitals are the following patients: (1) individuals who are aged 55 years and older with chronic medical conditions, (2) individuals with underlying medical conditions, and (3) individuals who might break protocols if sent home.
As of Wednesday, Dominica has recorded 607 active cases of COVID-19 in the island.
St. Lucia announces 568 new cases of COVID-19
The island of St. Lucia has recorded 568 news cases of COVID-19.
In a report by the Loop News, the new cases brings the total number of infections in the island to 16, 505 since the pandemic started in 2020.
On Friday, vaccination will resume in St. Lucia at the following sites: Vigie Sports Complex, Gros-Islet HR Centre, Soufriere Hospital, Jacmel Wellness Centre, Inno Care (Vieux-Fort) and St. Anthony’s Medical Centre (Sunny Acres). The timings will be from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m.
To date, St. Lucia has 50, 315 fully vaccinated residents.
Jamaica reports eight more deaths additional 1,342 COVID-19 cases
Meanwhile, in Jamaica, the positive rate has increased to 53.3%, with infections rising to 107,721 in the country.
A total of 1,342 positive cases were recorded by the government, mostly infecting men with 746 cases.
Patients’ age ranged from 32 days to 101 years old.
Jamaica Gleaner has released the following information about the deceased:
- An 82-year-old man from Portland
- A 54-year-old woman from St Ann
- A 74-year-old man from St Ann
- A 72-year-old female from St Ann
- A 75-year-old male from St Ann
- A 61-year-old man from St Catherine
- A 42-year-old woman from St Catherine
- A 78-year-old female from St Catherine