Dominican Republic: Authorities to extend curfew and other domestic COVID-19 measures until at least June 16 /update 34

Event

Authorities in the Dominican Republic have extended the current curfew restrictions and other domestic COVID-19-related measures until at least June 16.

In the National District and in 24 provinces, the weekday 18:00-05:00 curfew and the 15:00-05:00 curfew on Saturdays and Sundays remain in place. Individuals needing to return to their accommodations or residences are accorded a three-hour grace period to do so.

The provinces of Duarte, Espaillat, La Altagracia, La Vega, Samana, Santiago, and Puerto Plata have shorter curfews. The 22:00-05:00 weekday curfew and the 21:00-05:00 curfew on Saturdays and Sundays remain in effect, as does the grace period for individuals to return to their residences until 00:01 nightly.

Certain individuals are 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.

The ban on the sale and consumption of alcohol in public spaces and in private spaces designated for public use remains in effect nationwide between the hours of 15:00-05:00 daily. Most public and private establishments are allowed to operate at a 50 percent capacity limit in accordance with industry-specific protocols. Organizing, promoting, or hosting large events, parties, or activities remains banned.

The following previously established measures and operating protocols 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.

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

International Travel Restrictions
Standard travel protocols remain in place. Travelers arriving from South Africa, India, or Brazil will be required to present a negative result from a COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or antigen test taken within 72 hours prior to 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