Dominican Republic records highest COVID-19 cases in Caribbean
According to the latest situation report from the World Health Organisation (WHO) released March 23, 2020, the Americas region, inclusive of the United States and Canada, now has 31,573 confirmed cases with 402 deaths in total.
Regional neighbour the Dominican Republic now has 72 cases with 2 deaths, Trinidad and Tobago has 50 cases, Jamaica 19 cases and 1 death, Barbados 5 cases, Cuba has 16 cases and 1 death and, just next door, the US Virgin Islands (USVI) has upwards of 17 confirmed cases of the deadly virus, according to local media.
However, despite no confirmed case reported, the Virgin Islands continues to ramp up its response and preparedness for the virus, prioritising the protection of the most vulnerable in the community.
Elderly most at risk
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), older adults and people who have severe underlying medical conditions- like heart or lung disease or diabetes- are at higher risk for developing more serious complications from COVID-19 illness.
So far the Virgin Islands has put restrictions on visitations to elderly homes as announced by Premier and Minister of Finance, Hon Andrew A. Fahie (R1), "residential establishments, namely, the Adina Donovan Home for the Elderly, Virgin Gorda Elderly Home, Rainbow Children's Home, Safe Haven Transitional Centre and other private residential facilities, and as may be amended by the Cabinet, are advised to prohibit visits in and visits out, with the exception of emergency situations determined by the facility to necessitate a visit," he said on March 17, 2020.
The Virgin Islands also further ramped up its border protection measures by closing all airports and seaports to inbound passengers (whether nationals or non-nationals) until Monday, April 6, 2020 in a 14-day lockdown.
Previous border restriction measures have allowed for nationals to enter then placed into quarantine. In the new restriction crew members on incoming vessels will also not be allowed to leave the port facility and enter the Territory.
More Restrictions
Cruise ship calls remain blocked effective March 14, 2020, with more measures such as the postponement of local festivals and other cultural gatherings.
There has also been a closure of all schools for 14 days since Thursday, March 19, 2020, with restrictions placed on gatherings in churches and religious places for max 30 persons and less for elderly gatherings with bars, restaurants and nightclubs told to implement sanitisation & social distancing in response to COVID-19 and close by 8:00pm.
Additionally, visits to Her Majesty's Prison are restricted for 30 days, with the exception of emergency situations, which must be determined by the facility.
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