Contrary to forecasts made earlier, the Dominican Republic is celebrating Christmas with record lows in positivity and spread of the Covid-19. Active cases are at 1,527. The 7-day average of PCR recorded cases is 191. The fatality rate has been dropping and now is at 1.02%. Both the daily average and the 7-day average positivity were under 5% for the 21 December 2021 Bulletin #643.
The target population is 65% vaccinated with at least two doses. There are sufficient vaccines available nationwide for every single person in the country to be fully vaccinated. The vaccines are free and the procedure is fast and easy.
The news is good, but the advent of hundreds of thousands of friends and relatives for the holidays is matter of concern. It’s now up to everyone to keep Covid-19 and influenza at bay. Everyone knows what to do – party in well ventilated areas and continue to wear masks, avoid crowds, keep prudent distance when in staying in place. Continue hand washing.
Public Health Minister Daniel Rivera said in a press conference on Wednesday, 22 December 2021 that the 1.02% fatality rate is one of the lowest in the region and the world since the start of the pandemic. At the same time, Dr. Rivera called for people to not let down our guard during the Christmas holidays. He urged those that have not received the booster shot to do so, especially now that the fast-spreading Omicron variant is circulating around the world.
Diario Libre reports on outbreak of influenza cases. The leading newspaper’s editorial today urges everyone to act prudently.
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Diario Libre
Diario Libre
23 December 2021