Dominican Republic: Government declares state of emergency July 20 /update 14

Event

The government of the Dominican Republic declared a state of emergency for 45 days from Monday, July 20, due to an increase in coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases. The declaration provides the government with the ability to apply proportional restrictions on freedom of movement, public assembly, and other powers needed to control the spread of the virus. It is not clear as yet as to exactly what measures the government plans to bring in following the declaration, with the government expected to make a further announcement in due course.

A previous state of emergency had been lifted on June 30, and authorities gradually began reopening the country to international tourism from July 1. International flights have resumed and many hotels on the island have reopened with health and safety measures in place. However, some restrictions remain in place, including the mandatory wearing of face masks in public places, and no social, economic, or recreational activities permitted between 20:00 - 05:00 (local time), with certain exceptions. Educational institutions remain closed and sporting and cultural events have been suspended.

On Monday, 12 further COIVD-19 deaths and 1101 cases were announced, bringing the total number of cases reported by health officials in the country to 53,956, with 993 associated deaths. Further international spread of the virus is expected in the near term.

Context

The first case of COVID-19 was reported on December 31 and the source of the outbreak has been linked to a wet market in Wuhan (Hubei province, China). Since then, human-to-human transmission of the virus has been confirmed.

Cases of the virus have been confirmed in numerous countries and territories worldwide. On March 11, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the global outbreak a pandemic. Virus-screening and quarantining measures are being implemented at airports worldwide, as well as extensive travel restrictions.

The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, dry cough, and tiredness. Some patients may experience other symptoms such as body pains, nasal congestion, headache, conjunctivitis, sore throat, diarrhea, loss of taste or smell or a rash on skin or discoloration of fingers or toes. These symptoms (in most cases mild) appear gradually. Generally, most patients (around 80 percent) recover from the disease without being hospitalized.

Advice

Measures adopted by local authorities evolve quickly and are usually effective immediately. Depending on the evolution of the outbreak in other countries, authorities are likely to modify, at very short notice, the list of countries whose travelers are subject to border control measures or entry restrictions upon their arrival to the territory in question. It is advised to postpone nonessential travel due to the risk that travelers may be refused entry or be subject to quarantine upon their arrival or during their stay.

To reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission, travelers are advised to abide by the following measures: