Dominica receives 46,500 doses of Pfizer vaccine from US, roll-out for children to begin in October

In the recent Anou Pale episode aired on Sunday, Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit said Dominica has enough doses of the COVID-19 vaccine to inoculate its wider population.

PM Skerrit thanked and appreciated the US government’s efforts in providing 46,500 doses of Pfizer vaccine to Dominica. He said Pfizer vaccines would help roll out a vaccination campaign for children ageing 12 to 17.

Prime Minister also urged the parents to get themselves and their children vaccinated as soon as possible. He also emphasized that the Dominican government is not planning to make immunization mandatory. Besides this, he wished for a speedy recovery to the 600 COVID-19 active cases in the country.

PM Skerrit added, “We’re in a fight against an unseen enemy that is coming to steal, kill and destroy god’s people. The government will lead it, but it cannot do it alone. This will need all leaders to play their part in civil society, and the business community must also show leadership.”

He further informed that the nation is rigorously testing people to trace down the active case. PM noted that COVID testing is done free of cost in the country even though the market cost of one antigen test is US $20, and one PCR test costs around the US $100.

He further praised the frontline workers who are working day night tirelessly to help the nation fight the contagious COVID-19 virus.

Furthermore, PM Skerrit announced that the Dominican government is acquiring land to build a multi-story administrative building in Portsmouth. He said that this building would accommodate all the needs and public service works under one roof.

Interviews would be conducted quite soon to fill the positions at secondary schools. The prime minister noted several committees set up to interview principals, deputy principals, and all other faculty at the school.

Prime Minister further said that seeing the current coronavirus situation in the country, it is not possible to conduct face-to-face classes, as the government cannot take risks with the health of their citizens.