COMMENTARY: Impact of increase in Covid-19 cases in Dominica on private sector and economy  

In view of the current situation related to the significant increase in Covid-19 cases in the Commonwealth of Dominica, the Dominica Business Forum Inc. (DBF Inc.) is concerned about the impact that such a situation is having and will have on the lives and livelihoods of the population, and more specifically, on the  private sector and the economy, especially with the looming possibility of a shutdown of business activities.

The recent numbers of active positive Covid-19 cases revealed by the Ministry of Health Wellness and New Health Investments, and the revelation of community spread throughout the island, are discomforting and require the combined effort of the private sector, public sector and general population in fighting the virus.

The use of antigen tests in identifying positive cases and the revelation that the results of antigen tests are generally  as reliable as the PCR tests is very encouraging since it is common knowledge that the administering of the antigen tests can be done very easily if the testing kits are made more accessible.  For example, in the United Kingdom and other countries, antigen test kits are distributed to households and business enterprises for self-testing.  This initiative has released the burden on healthcare professionals.

As the Commonwealth of Dominica approaches the third week of the Emergency Order which is expected to be extended beyond the expiry date of August 17^th, 2021, the following factors must be considered:

1. The Covid-19 pandemic is approaching its second year and according to the scientists, with the present mutations, it will be present for an unpredictable length of time.
2. There is some uncertainty in the efficacy of the vaccines and there is some level of reluctance in acceptance of the vaccines due to unknown long-term impact on health.
   3. Antigen tests have been proven to be very effective in the identification of the virus.
   4. One can be infected shortly before or after testing is done, which is particularly relevant to commuters and travellers through multiple destinations. Both the vaccinated and unvaccinated are potential carriers.
   5. Testing therefore ought to be a continuous process which should be repeated at least every week but most effectively twice weekly. Therefore, the efforts of the Ministry of Health in conducting tests island wide should be repeated continuously, which may not be sustainable, unless additional options are examined and implemented.
   6. One of the basic principles of disaster risk reduction is to always avoid creating a disaster within a disaster and to always mitigate against unnecessary human suffering and discomfort.
   7. The closure of businesses that are capable of adhering to the established or revised protocols is an additional burden to these business establishments, their employees, and families.
   8. The blanket approach of declaring all businesses as nonessential with the exception of a selected few is proving to be disastrous to small businesses which cannot afford a shutdown without support or compensation. These businesses are deprived of revenue while at the same time they, their employees and their families remain committed to meeting of  all their expenditure(s) such as rent, loans, utilities, Social Security contribution, security, wages and other operational costs.
   9. Dialogue and a transparent system is necessary to enable the shutdown of businesses should be determined on a case by case basis and preferably apply to those who fail to adhere to the stipulated protocols. This would greatly alleviate the plight of many in this country within a struggling economy.
   10. Given the simplicity of the administration of the Antigen tests, it is possible for businesses to put in place a mechanism for continuous testing of their employees. The FDA released numerous videos on YouTube which demonstrates the antigen test exercise.
   11. If the existing situation continues or worsens the healthcare professionals will be overwhelmed and there are signs of Covid-19 pandemic fatigue within the ranks of the healthcare providers.

In view of the above observations, the Dominica Business Forum Inc. (DBF Inc), recommends  the following:

• The shutdown of the country should be an act of last resort. The curfew has proven to be effective, therefore continuation of the curfew order is considered appropriate although the hours should be reviewed to encourage productivity and greater use of daylight hours.
• In this regard, Saturday mornings should be made available for shopping for food essentials to enable 8:00 am to 4:00 pm workers to obtain supplies. The Agricultural Markets should also be opened from 6:00 am on Friday and Saturday for the same reason.
• Businesses that are capable of complying with the stipulated protocols should not be treated in the same manner as those who fail to comply.
• For other small business and employees, some level of relief should be provided to reduce the changes of permanent shutdowns and increase in poverty levels.
• Antigen test kits should be made readily available for self-testing within private enterprises and also by families. The antigen kits come with prescribed instructions; therefore, minimal training is required for the administering of the tests.
• As the reopening of school approaches many parents are depending on their wages at the end of August to purchase school supplies for their children and many small businesses depend on this time of the year to take advantage of the demand. Any shutdown which deprives employees their wages and small businesses revenue must consider appropriate compensation.
• After more than eighteen months of coping with the pandemic, the Ministry of Health must adopt a better approach to addressing the problem, notably with the dissemination of information to the public. Opportunities must be afforded for the public to ask questions and seek clarification in the press briefings. Data should be made available in order to better plan.
• The private sector must be allowed greater responsibility in the adoption of measures for coping with the pandemic which it appears will be part of human existence for the unforeseeable future.
• A mechanism can be established between the private sector and the health authorities to administer, monitor, and report antigen tests.
• Public-Private Sector dialogue needs to be promoted to obtain more workable solutions for the good of all. This dialogue and working relationship should continue beyond the present crisis in order to set the stage and parameters for dealing with subsequent crises.

Recognizing the divisive nature of the information that is available on the vaccines, the Dominica Business Forum Inc. (DBF Inc.) will convene a public discussion on the pros and cons of the Covid-19 vaccination in an effort to educate the population and thereby enhance their understanding.

The  date for a virtual public discussion will be announced shortly and  is open to the private sector and civil society and is expected to be live on  radio and various social media platforms. Those interested in participating via Zoom can email: [email protected] for the link.