Dominican Republic: Authorities announce stricter COVID-19-related curfew measures for the holiday period as of Dec. 16 /update 21

Event

Authorities in the Dominican Republic have announced stricter curfew measures in some areas as of Dec. 16, as part of the nation's coronavirus disease (COVID-19) response. The new curfew is being imposed 1900-0500 in the National District, which includes the capital, Santo Domingo, as well as the provinces of Santo Domingo, Santiago, Duarte, La Vega, and Puerto Plata; the grace period exclusively for individuals to return to their residences will be until 2100.

In all other areas, the existing curfew will continue to be enforced 2100-0500 Monday-Friday, and 1900-0500 on weekends and public holidays. However, the national curfew will be tightened to 1900-0500 Dec. 24 and 31, with the grace period for individuals to return to their residences extended until 0100 Dec. 25 and Jan. 1. Only persons providing essential and critical services, those with a medical emergency, and international passengers traveling to the airport and their drivers are permitted to circulate during the curfew hours.

Other measures to combat the spread of COVID-19 that are also in effect are:

• Authorities continue to urge individuals to adhere to physical distancing practices by maintaining at least 1.5 meters (5 feet) between each other.

• Industry-specific sanitization and operating protocols are in place in some sectors.

• Restaurants and bars may operate at a maximum capacity of 70 percent and may seat no more than 10 people per table.

• The sale of alcohol is banned between 1800-0500 at all establishments.

• It is mandatory to wear a protective facemask in public.

• Group gatherings are to be limited to no more than 10 people in public spaces.

• Event facilities, such as convention centers and auditoriums, galleries, sports stadiums, arenas, and cultural and entertainment establishments that encourage large group gatherings, remain mostly closed.

• Athletic training and religious services are permitted, but only under strict physical-distancing requirements.

International Travel
International travel has resumed. All travelers must complete an entry and exit form, which combines the traveler's Health Affidavit, Customs Declaration, and International Embarkation/Disembarkation forms; the form can be filled in up to 72 hours before arrival and departure. Currently, travelers may complete a physical or digital form; however, effective Jan. 1, 2021, the digital e-ticket form will be mandatory. Authorities do not require arrivals to present a negative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test; however, travelers arriving by air may be randomly selected for rapid testing upon arrival at the airport. Persons testing positive will be required to enter quarantine.

All measures are subject to amendment at short notice, and officials could reimpose stricter measures over the coming weeks, depending on local disease activity.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by local health and safety measures. Reconfirm all transportation arrangements. Continue to emphasize basic health precautions, especially frequent handwashing with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable. Practice good coughing/sneezing etiquette (i.e., covering coughs and sneezes with disposable tissues, maintaining distance from others, and washing hands). There is no evidence that the influenza vaccine, antibiotics, or antiviral medications will prevent this disease, highlighting the importance of diligent basic health precautions.

Resources

World Health Organisation (WHO)
Dominican Republic - COVID-19 Updates
Ministry of Tourism - Travel Resource Center
Digital e-ticket Form