Dominican Republic: Authorities to tighten nationwide curfew and other restrictions as of Jan. 1 due to COVID-19 activity /update 23

Event

Authorities in the Dominican Republic plan to tighten the country's nationwide nightly curfew as part of ongoing efforts to curb the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Effective Jan. 1 through at least Jan. 10, new curfew hours will be 1700-0500; the measure will include a grace period until 1900 exclusively for individuals to return to their residences. Current curfew hours are 2100-0500.

Over the weekends of Jan. 2-3 and Jan. 9-10, the curfew hours will run 1200-0500.

A 1900-0500 curfew remains in effect in the National District, which includes the capital, Santo Domingo; with the grace period for individuals to return to their residences ends at 2100. On Dec. 31, the grace period for individuals to return to their residences is extended until 0100 Jan. 1. 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.

Aside from the stricter curfew, restaurants and bars will be closed for dine-in services Jan. 1-10; moreover, parks and outdoor recreational areas will be closed and religious services will be suspended.

The following measures are also in effect:

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

• The use of protective facemasks is mandatory 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 until Jan. 1, but only under strict social distancing requirements.

International Travel
Officials have banned all commercial passenger flights to and from the UK until at least Jan. 10. The ban is in response to the spread of a new strain of COVID-19 discovered mainly in southeastern England, including London. 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