Dominican Republic: Authorities to reduce existing COVID-19-related curfew hours from Jan. 27 /update 25

Event

Authorities in the Dominican Republic have announced that effective Jan. 27, internal restrictions to curb the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) will be slightly eased. The new measures will last until at least Feb. 8. The current weekday 1700-0500 curfew will be scaled by two hours and will instead be enforced 1900-0500, while the weekend curfew will be reduced from 1200-0500 to the hours of 1700-0500. The curfew will include a grace period until 2200 on weekdays and 2000 on weekends 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.

Other measures will remain mostly unchanged, with only slight amendments. From Jan. 27, gyms, bars, restaurants, and grocery stores may operate at 60-percent capacity instead of 50 percent. The following measures will remain in place:

• Restaurants and bars are allowed to operate at 50-percent capacity until Jan. 26 and 60 percent thereafter, 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
Travel to the UK has resumed following a temporary suspension of passenger flights in response to a variant strain of COVID-19 in the UK. However, travelers from the UK are now required to present a negative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test taken no more than 72 hours before travel. UK arrivals without a negative PCR certificate will be tested upon arrival and must complete a 7-day quarantine at a government facility at their own expense.

Other standard travel protocols remain in place. 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 Feb. 1, the digital e-ticket form will be mandatory. Except for travelers from the UK, authorities do not require arrivals to present a negative PCR test result; 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