Dominican Republic: Authorities extend state of emergency, extend nationwide curfew and other restrictions until Jan. 26 due to COVID-19 activity /update 24

Event

Authorities in the Dominican Republic Jan. 9 extended the country's security state of emergency and the nationwide curfew as part of ongoing efforts to curb the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

The security state of emergency will be in effect through at least Feb. 22, while the nationwide nightly 1700-0500 curfew be in effect through at least Jan. 26; the curfew will include a grace period until 2000 exclusively for individuals to return to their residences. Only persons providing essential services, those with medical emergencies, and international passengers traveling to the airport and their drivers may be outside their homes or accommodations during curfew hours.

Over the weekends of Jan. 16-17 and Jan. 23-24, the curfew hours will run 1200-0500.

The following restrictive measures are in effect:

• Restaurants and bars are allowed to operate at 50-percent capacity with a maximum of six people per table.

• Churches and religious institutions may offer services three times per week provided that COVID-19 regulations are adhered to.

• Public sector offices must close by 1500.

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

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

• The use of protective facemasks is mandatory in public.

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

• Restrictions on the sale and consumption of alcohol in public spaces.

• Nonessential services such as gyms, cinemas, theaters, parks, and outdoor recreational areas are suspended.

• 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.

International Travel
Commercial passenger flights to and from the UK are currently suspended in response to the spread of a new strain of COVID-19 discovered in the UK. Cargo, mail, technical, and medevac flights, as well as commercial overflights, are exempt. International travel to locations outside the UK is continuing.

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 completed up to 72 hours before arrival or departure, as the case may be. Currently, travelers may complete a physical or digital form; however, effective Jan. 1, 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.

Authorities could reimpose, extend, further ease, or otherwise amend any restrictions with little-to-no notice depending on disease activity over the coming weeks.

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