Key points and live updates from the February 9, 2021 COVID management press conference featuring Prime Minister Mia Mottley.
Prime Minister Mia Mottley
- A shipment of vaccines came in from India today.
- There were 9 boxes with 100 000 vaccines for 50 000 people.
- These are under the Covishield banner, or the Oxford Astra-Zeneca line.
- We are still in negotiations for the second batch of 100 000.
- Thanks to PM Narendra Modi for making sure Barbados and Dominica receive vaccines and for sending them in the shortest possible time.
- Some of the vaccines received will go to OECS with Dominica taking care of some, and Barbados taking care of others.
- This is a continuation of cooperation with India, one of the first countries to recognise an independent Barbados.
- PM Roosevelt Skerrit of Dominica worked closely with PM Mottley to ensure both countries could benefit.
- Operation Seek and Save about 29 000 households were visited up to yesterday.
- We are lucky and we need to recognise there are people across the world asking to be in the position we are in right now.
- We do not take it for granted.
- The conversations that are necessary must take place.
- The majority of people are saying they are ready to take the vaccination.
- Those who took the vaccine earlier will soon be taking the second vaccine.
- The roll out will be explained by Major Clarke and Dr Ferdinand tomorrow.
- Mottley asked the doctors/nurses to reach out to people and patients to help them make decisions as it relates to their loved ones.
Dominica’s Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit who joined Mottley’s address to the nation via Zoom:
- Never thought his prayers would be answered so quickly.
- He expressed thanks to India PM Modi, recognised the scientists and those responsible for trials and research.
- This ensures Dominica will launch the largest vaccination campaign in its history.
- The vaccine will be stored overnight and a public awareness campaign will be launched tomorrow.
- The rollout will commence on February 22, 2021.
- Front line workers will be first to get vaccines, as well as elderly and people at risk.
- Recipients will be diligently monitored during the vaccination process.
- Vaccine will not be mandatory, but he encouraged citizens not to pass up the opportunity.
- Dominica will share with some other OECS countries from as early as Thursday to give to their front line workers.
Prime Minister Mia Mottley
- We can only beat this virus if we have enough people vaccinated.
- Every day and every night we will work hard to get as many vaccines to help our people.
- Start the conversation about the vaccines with family and colleagues.
- There are risks in life and we manage those risks.
- We hope the roll out will start in days for front line workers.
- The plan is to start before the weekend.
