Dominican Republic: Authorities to impose longer curfew and tighten other domestic COVID-19 measures June 2-9 /update 33

Event

Authorities in the Dominican Republic have issued orders lengthening curfew hours in the National District, as well as in 24 of the nation's 31 provinces, June 2-9, due to elevated COVID-19 activity in the affected jurisdictions. New curfew hours will run 18:00-05:00 Monday through Friday, and 15:00-05:00 on Saturdays and Sundays. Individuals needing to return to their accommodations or residences will be accorded a three-hour grace period in order to do so.

Provinces not affected by the new curfew hours are Duarte, Espaillat, La Altagracia, La Vega, Samana, Santiago, and Puerto Plata. In these seven jurisdictions, the previously imposed curfew hours of 22:00-05:00 on weekdays and 21:00-05:00 on weekends will remain in effect, with the grace period for individuals to return to their residences extending until 00:01 nightly.

Certain individuals will be exempt from curfew restrictions. These include those providing essential services, including medical, security, pharmaceutical, media, and transport services, among others. Those with medical emergencies and international passengers traveling to and from the airport and their drivers may also be outside their homes or accommodations during curfew hours.

Authorities will ban the sale and consumption of alcohol in public and in private spaces designated for public use nationwide between the hours of 15:00-05:00 June 2-9. Additionally, most public and private establishments will be allowed to operate at a 50 percent capacity limit following industry-specific protocols. Organizing, promoting, or hosting large events, parties, or activities will also be banned.

The following previously established measures and operating protocols will also remain unchanged nationwide:

• Restaurants, bars, and grocery stores may operate at 50 percent capacity. Restaurants and bars may only seat a maximum of six people per table.

• 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.

• Restrictions on the sale and consumption of alcohol 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.

International Travel
Standard travel protocols remain in place. Travelers arriving from Brazil, South Africa, or the UK will be required to present a negative result from a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or antigen COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours prior to arrival. Until June 6, testing at the airport will be possible for travelers who have been in these countries and are unable to present a negative test upon arrival. Authorities do not require other arrivals to present negative test results; however, some travelers arriving by air will be randomly selected for rapid testing upon arrival at the airport. Persons testing positive will be required to enter quarantine. The duration of the quarantine period is determined by local authorities.

All travelers must also 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.

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.

Resources

World Health Organization (WHO)
Dominican Republic - COVID-19 Updates
Dominican Republic - Office of the President (Spanish)
Ministry of Tourism - Travel Resource Center
Digital e-ticket Form