As of 16 March 2020, the Dominican Republic has its first case of local transmission. This was confirmed by Public Health Minister Rafael Sánchez Cárdenas and Alma Morales of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) in a press conference. The first death caused by Covid-19 virus was also confirmed at the press conference. The country needs now to step up promoting social distance to avoid the community spread of the disease. There are now 21 cases of Covid-19 virus diagnosed in the country. More possible cases are being tested.
The mismanagement by the San Francisco de Macoris public health director of the case of Oraida Herrera, the Dominican who returned from Italy, was tested positive for Covid-19 and allowed to self-quarantine lead to the development of this first case of local transmission in the Dominican Republic. The woman was one of the first five cases of imported Covid-19.
After media reported the Villa Riva woman was not keeping self-quarantine, Herrera was taken to the Ramón de Lara Hospital where she now is ordered to remain until free of the disease. The Ministry of Public Health announced during a press conference on Monday, 16 March, that another person was infected by Herrera, and several others are now being tested. One of these persons is a neighbor of the Villa Riva woman.
Another case is that of designer Jenny Polanco, who upon returning from Spain with no symptoms hosted a party for her friends. After she fell ill, she contacted the local epidemiological authorities and tested positive. Several persons at that party are now being tested to see if they contracted the virus. Three of the guests are showing symptoms of the virus.
Minister Sánchez Cárdenas also announced the first death attributed to Covid-19. It is that of a 47-year old Dominican woman who was vulnerable given that she suffered from HIV and tuberculosis. The woman had traveled here recently from Spain, where she lived. She was seen at Plaza de la Salud. Public Health Minister said that after being sent home, she suffered complications and was taken by the 911 services to the Cruz Jiminian Clinic. The clinic said she arrived dead.
Among the 10 new people that have tested positive are three Dominicans, including Jenny Polanco, two Venezuelans and a French woman. Sánchez Cardenas said around 25 people are being tested, including two doctors who were on a Costa Favolosa cruise that docked at the La Romana port and then from here headed to Martinique.
The gated community in San Cristobal, Villa Claudia, announced they are isolating themselves after suspecting members of the community could have Covid-19 virus. This is the residence of one of two physicians who had been on the Costa Favolosa cruise ship for a class promotion celebration and have been diagnosed with the disease. They are in domiciliary quarantine.
Sanchez Cardenas urged extreme hygiene, and especially keeping distance from travelers that arrive from abroad, especially from countries with the virus, for two weeks. Those returning are recommended to isolate themselves for the two weeks to ensure they are not harboring the virus. “People have to be aware that we are in a special situation,” said the minister. The Minister urges people to keep their distance from others. He spoke up against elbow-greeting, indicating this was too close.
Sánchez Cárdenas confirmed that four Germans are hospitalized in the Higuey public hospital, awaiting testing results for Covid-19.
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St. Lucian News
Listin Diario
17 March 2020