Relevant Information about Dominican Republic and the COVID-19 reopening Phases.
From the first week of February, Dominican Republic, with the support of the World Health Organization (WHO) & Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), implemented a prevention and contingency plan to address the potential risk of virus entering the country. The de-escalation of restrictions takes place within a 4-phased framework of reopening the economy.
Country-Specific Information:
- The President of the Dominican Republic extended the State of Emergency for an additional 15 days. The curfew has been modified, on Monday May 18th and will remain in place through June 1st. The new curfew hours are Monday through Saturday 7 p.m. to 5 a.m., and Sunday 5 p.m. to 5 a.m.
- Masks are required in all public spaces in the Dominican Republic.
De-escalation Phases
Starting on May 20, the Dominican Republic entered in the Phase 1 of the de-escalation process, with measures including:
- Until June 2, the country’s borders will remain closed by land, sea and air, so all flights to and from Dominican Republic from said date and time will be suspended along with the arrival and departure of all cruises in all ports in the country. All Dominican passengers coming from abroad will be quarantined for two weeks.
- Restaurants will only be allowed to operate for take-out and delivery orders. Likewise, national and international events and public, cultural, artistic and sports shows are suspended for the same period.
- Micro-enterprises, which may have up to 10 employees, up to 5 employees or no more than 50% of the staff may work. In the small ones, which are those between 10 and 50, a minimum of 10 people and no more than 50% of their employees will be able to work. Meanwhile, medium and large companies must operate with a maximum of 25% of personnel in the first phase. The public sector will also begin to work with 50% of the personnel, and the incumbents are authorised to increase this percentage if the needs so demand.
- It is mandatory to keep social distancing and wear face masks in all public spaces, such as banks, supermarkets and offices, among others.
- Public bus services (OMSA), subway and cable cars will open at 30% capacity from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm.
The national curfew will be extended until June 1 between 7:00 pm and 7:00 am from Monday to Saturday and from 5:00 pm to 5:00 am on Sunday, except for medical, sanitary and security personnel, accredited journalists and people and vehicles related to production and distribution of food and medications; water, telecommunications, ports, airports and other essential industries.
Phase 2 is slated to begin on June 3 with the restored operation of shopping centers, private transportation companies and gambling with the exception of casinos.
Phase 4, which is currently projected to start on July 1, would reopen hotels, airports, gyms and restaurants.
The final phase, where all business are expected to reopen with 100 percent of staff, is only anticipated on or around July 5.
For more official updated information you can visit: https://www.godominicanrepublic.com/newsroom/coronavirus/
Be Patient, Paradise awaits you!
Dayana Richiez
