Government Covid-19 virus website provides updates
Government orders curfew from 8pm to 6am
Which of your rights are curbed by the 2020 curfew decree?
Government stops Omsa and metro service; guarantees food supply
Currency exchanges will continue to function "normally"
Health insurance will soon cover testing costs if prescribed
How to get tested for the coronavirus: government and private labs in the Dominican Republic
Foreign Minister Miguel Vargas catches COVID-19
Elected mayors for Puerto Plata and San Francisco de Macoris have the Covid-19
Parents of newlyweds acknowledge not canceling the wedding was a big mistake
Supermarkets reduce their working hours and new conditions for shopping
Barrios improvise to fight Covid-19 virus
Covid-19 virus hits the informal sector the most
Brugal closes its offices and operations
Security alert
All National Parks closed to visitors
Free zones will start to close from Monday, 23 March
Record lows for fuel prices due to Covid-19
Chinese announce donations to help DR fight Covid-19
Last tourists leave, evacuation flows in the Dominican Republic
National District Mayor says garbage will be picked up from 8 to 5 pm
DR does not have the capacity to handle multiple deaths
JCE reports on full results for municipal elections
Luis Abinader of the PRM says all propaganda is suspended
Gonzalo Castillo urges Dominicans to heed government recommendations
Citizen Participation civic movement monitors government spending during coronavirus emergency
Wasteful spending at its best: Ministry of Public Works propaganda irritates Dominicans more
Government Covid-19 virus website provides updates
The Medina administration announced the launching of a government webpage dedicated to the Covid-19 virus developments. The website will feature the announcements made by the local coronavirus high commission and updated statistics.
On Sunday, 23 March 2020, Health Minister Rafael Sánchez Cárdenas urged people to stay at home, saying that the country was about to enter a phase of community spread. On Sunday, Sánchez Cárdenas announced an increase in 90 cases in just 24 hours for a total of 202 cases in the Dominican Republic. He also announced that the first two cases of Covid-19 detected in the country have now tested negative.
On Sunday, 23 March 2020, the Covid-19 High Commission announced three categories for public sector work, with most bureaucrats ordered to stay home. The High Commission also ordered the shutdown of nonessential call centers.
http://coronavirusrd.gob.do/
https://eldia.com.do/covid-19-ministro-de-salud-dice-pais-esta-cerca-de-la-trasmision-comunitaria/
https://n.com.do/2020/03/22/en-desg...s-por-el-gobierno-para-el-aislamiento-social/
https://eldia.com.do/el-pais-registra-90-casos-covid-19-en-24-horas-total-acumulado-es-de-202/
Government orders curfew from 8pm to 6am
President Danilo Medina issued Decree 134-20 on Friday, 20 March, imposing a curfew through 3 April 2020 and stricter transit measures in the Dominican Republic. The measure comes after Congress approved declaring a State of Emergency on Thursday, 19 March.
The Police is ordered to enforce the measures and during the first four days around 4,000 persons have been arrested for violating the curfew. Vehicles are being seized to ensure Dominicans take it seriously. The vehicles need to be recovered at the Canódromo vehicle storage on 4 April 2020. The government is urging people to take it seriously. Around 500 vehicles have been seized from people who were on the road during the curfew.
The last time the DR was subject to a curfew was in 1998 on 10 September after Hurricane Georges hit the southeast of the country, killing 235 persons.
The measure is intended to reduce the speed of transmission of the coronavirus after the total number of cases has climbed to 202 as reported on Sunday, 22 March 2020, almost double those on the previous day. Sánchez Cárdenas says that the spike is attributed to the wedding in Cap Cana, the cruise ship passengers on the Costa Favolosa and a private party.
https://listindiario.com/la-republi...s-un-toque-de-queda-y-que-implicaciones-tiene
https://listindiario.com/la-republi...fue-establecido-por-el-ciclon-georges-en-1998
https://n.com.do/2020/03/21/fotos-d...-el-gran-santo-domingo-pese-a-toque-de-queda/
https://hoy.com.do/coronavirus-mil-...s-durante-primera-jornada-del-toque-de-queda/
https://www.elcaribe.com.do/2020/03/20/cierran-negocios-por-no-acatar-medidas/
https://hoy.com.do/coronavirus-rd-va-acercandose-a-la-transmision-comunitaria/
https://hoy.com.do/coronavirus-durante-toque-de-queda-detienen-fotografo-del-hoy/
https://eldia.com.do/dos-mil-arrestados-en-segundo-dia-toque-de-queda/
https://eldia.com.do/asi-lucen-los-...-anunciadas-para-evitar-propagacion-covid-19/
https://eldia.com.do/autoridades-retienewn-366-vehiculos-en-toque-de-queda/
Which of your rights are curbed by the 2020 curfew decree?
Since most of the population on the Dominican Republic was not even born the last time there was an emergency and a curfew decreed by government in 1998, it is a good thing to know just how it affects everyone in the country. What Decree 134-20 means is that the rights of assembly, of transit and of holding a meeting are suspended for the time necessary to deal with the propagation of the COVID-19. However, none of the other civil liberties, such as freedom of expression, habeas corpus, due cause and the other rights listed in Article 266 of the Dominican Constitution and Article 11 of the Law covering the Exceptional State, are hindered or curtailed.
The decree issued by President Medina is for 25 days (through 13 April 2020), and, if five days before the end of this period, the authorities are not convinced that the cause of the State of Emergency has been remedied, the Executive Branch can request from Congress approval for an extension. The President is also obliged to provide periodic reports to the Congress regarding the situation that required the original decree in the first place.
https://eldia.com.do/cuales-derecho...os-con-la-declaracion-de-emergencia-nacional/
https://listindiario.com/la-republi...n-por-25-dias-numerosos-derechos-restringidos
https://listindiario.com/la-republi...alma-en-las-calles-anoche-tras-toque-de-queda
Government stops Omsa and metro service; guarantees food supply
The government announced that the Metropolitan Office of Bus Services (OMSA) buses, as well as the intercity busses (both large and small) are to stop running as a measure to insure social distancing and reduce the spread of the coronavirus. The OMSA buses, the Santo Domingo Metro and the city skylift over the Ozama River are also halted. Presidential Minister Gustavo Montalvo made the announcement. This measure will affect a large number of people.
Montalvo also noted that there is a guaranteed food supply and the egg and poultry industry has publically declared that they are ready to supply the entire market.
And finally, there is a little-known industry, called the Military Industry, which was begun by President Medina back in 2018, which will begin to supply disposable medical supplies such as surgical gowns and masks for the local market and the clinics and hospitals.
https://elnacional.com.do/gobierno-...interrumpe-servicios-omsa-metro-y-teleferico/
https://www.diariolibre.com/actuali...al-en-primer-dia-de-toque-de-queda-EK17848950
https://www.elcaribe.com.do/2020/03...bricara-material-medico-desechable-AK17844172
https://listindiario.com/la-republi...uses-omsa-metro-y-teleferico-de-santo-domingo
Currency exchanges will continue to function "normally"
The Dominican Association of Currency Exchanges (Adocambio) has announced that the "casas de cambio" will now be open at 8:30am to 3pm. According to the president of Adocambio, Carlos Pla, the different exchange houses operating in food stores will close at 5pm. Another measure taken by the association is the rotation of the personnel working at the different offices. As with the measures taken by supermarkets and banks, the reason is to contribute to the health of the employees and the customers.
https://www.diariolibre.com/economi...e-mantendran-laborando-normalmente-EO17805742
Health insurance will soon cover testing costs if ordered by doctor
The Superintendent of Labor Health and Risks (Sisalril) reported late last week that the Dominican Social Security System will guarantee access to testing for the Covid-19 virus ordered by their doctors. This is to be covered entirely by the National Health Insurance (SENASA).
It is important, however, to note that the protocols to be followed are the following:
+Persons that have been in countries where the virus has appeared during the previous 15 days, or those that have traveled on cruise ships.
+Persons that present two or more symptoms associated with the coronavirus
+Persons that have been in contact with persons diagnosed as having the virus.
+It is up to the attending physician to carry out the necessary triage to determine if the priorities established require or not the test to confirm the presence of the virus (PCR). Without the medical prescription, the laboratories will not do the test under the SENASA rules.
+The tests must be done by either public or private laboratories that have been specifically designated by the Ministry of Public Health for the tests, based on the Berlin Protocols, and using the reactive kits authorized by the Ministry and recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) as well as provide a strict compliance with the terms of the agreements between these laboratories and the Ministry of Public Health.
There is also a special series of steps in order for this test to be covered by the National Health Service, and because this situation is so new, and the process so important, the guidelines for obtaining the tests and the payment of the same, is currently being worked out by the authorities. The process is expected to be published early this week.
https://eldia.com.do/el-seguro-familiar-de-salud-cubrira-pruebas-coronavirus-indicadas-por-medicos/
https://hoy.com.do/sisalril-garantiza-cobertura-virus-para-afiliados/
How to get tested for the coronavirus: government and private labs in the Dominican Republic
The Ministry of Public Health is advising those who suspect they have coronavirus to not call 911 for emergency services. Instead, people are being told to call *462 0 (809 687-7347).
The Ministry of Public Health has a hotline for people to call in case the key symptoms are fever, dry cough and difficulty to breathe. The government will not carry out tests to persons that do not have these symptoms. The tests are free of cost. This is 809 686-9140, or 809 200-4091 for toll free calls from provinces from 8 am to 8 pm. There is also a WhatsApp telephone at 829 542-7009.
Amadita (https://amadita.com/) and Referencia (https://labreferencia.com/) labs are carrying out the test. The test needs to be prescribed by a pulmonologist, internist, infectologist or epidemiologist. After contacting the lab, a team of specialists will be sent to you to take the test at your domicile. Tests are not being carried out to persons who show up at the lab branches, nor persons that do not have coronavirus symptoms. The tests are costing RD$4,300.
For updated information on the virus, see http://coronavirusrd.gob.do/
Foreign Minister Miguel Vargas catches Covid-19
"Today [Sunday, 22 March 2020] I received the results of the test for Covid-19, and I'm positive, I still don't have any symptoms. I urge Dominicans to follow the health instructions and the established protocol. With the help of God, we will get ahead," the Foreign Minister said on Twitter. Miguel Vargas Maldonado is 69 years old.
The Foreign Minister had reported last Friday that one of his three children, Miguel Paúl Vargas García, tested positive for the Covid-19 coronavirus after attending a wedding in Cap Cana on 14 March 2020. Dozens of persons who attended that wedding have tested positive.
Public Health Minister Rafael Sánchez Cárdenas announced on Sunday, 22 March 2020, that the Dominican Republic had 202 positive cases of coronavirus and three registered deaths.
Elected mayors for Puerto Plata and San Francisco de Macoris have the Covid-19
The mayor-elect of Puerto Plata, Diomedes Garcia "Roquelito", tested positive for coronavirus, Listin Diario reported on 22 March 2020. García ran for the Modern Revolutionary Party (PRM). He defeated Walter Musa, who sought to stay in power after 14 years and three terms as city mayor.
The provincial president of the Modern Revolutionary Party (PRM), Igor Rodriguez, reported that the businessman and politician is in good physical condition and that the authorities and his doctors will soon share more details on his recovery.
After the intense campaign activity, García had kept attending to his business affairs and had met with numerous political leaders. He also visited with Puerto Plata Archbishop Julio César Corniel Amaro, along with his wife and children.
"Roquelito" Garcia is a well-known businessman who owns the Frank Felipe Hardware Store in this city. He has been linked for many years to carnival groups such as the Taimascaros and for years has supported sporting activities through his company.
The mayor-elect of San Francisco de Macorís, Siquio Ng, is another victim of the virus. He too had kept active after winning the PRM election.
https://listindiario.com/la-republi...to-de-puerto-plata-da-positivo-al-coronavirus
Parents of newlyweds acknowledge not canceling the wedding was a big mistake
Dozens or hundreds may have caught the Covid-19 disease after being at a wedding of a wealthy couple on 14 March 2020 in Cap Cana in Punta Cana. The wedding turned out to be a focal point, spreading it to at least 52 persons that are hospitalized.
The parents publicly apologized on Saturday. "We feel extremely sorry and sincerely apologize that such a special event as the marriage of our children has become a matter of concern for us, the guests and the country," the Sanz Caban-Leon Bisonó families said in a statement.
"We are deeply saddened that an event that was organized out of love has become a subject of national consternation," the statement said.
The families say they have taken isolation and quarantine measures and are continuing to collaborate with the health authorities.
On Friday, 20 March, Public Health Minister Rafael Sánchez Cárdenas confirmed the impact of the wedding on the local transmission of the disease. He said the virus was imported by foreigners who had attended.
During a press conference on Saturday, 21 March, Sánchez Cárdenas reported that Miguel Paul Vargas, son of Foreign Minister Miguel Vargas, was one of many infected with the coronavirus at the wedding. He had attended the wedding.
Currently, 52 patients are hospitalized with Covid-19, while 57 others are in home isolation after being in contact with persons who caught the virus at the wedding.
In total, there have been 112 infections in the Dominican Republic, 40 more than those announced the day before, and three deaths.
The story of the wedding went viral when snapshots of the "crazy hour," alluding to clothes worn by medics and patients affected by the coronavirus, circulated, receiving the outrage of the Dominican population. At the wedding, a "Barmacia" made available alcohol that pretended to be the vaccine for the virus.
After the commotion generated in the social networks, the Novella agency, in charge of organizing the wedding, apologized. "The Novella team deeply regrets the organization of the activity called Barmacia that took place at Saturday's wedding. At no time was it our intention to make fun of the serious situation the world is going through with the spread of Covid-19," says a message posted on his Instagram account.
Shortly after the wedding, when several persons began to feel ill, the Ministry of Public Health called for all who attended to go into self-isolation. Those showing symptoms were urged to get tested and seek medical help.
The actual number of those that would have caught the disease is unknown. Reports are that around 500 people were at the wedding that took place in Cap Cana. These later interacted with thousands of other people.
On 14 March when the wedding took place there were but five confirmed cases in the Dominican Republic, all imported cases. The activity was not banned, but the threat of the Covid-19 in the Dominican Republic was well known. The wedding is blamed for the speeding up of the spread of the disease in the country.
https://listindiario.com/la-republi...-que-presenten-sintomas-deben-ir-a-hospitales
https://listindiario.com/la-republi...ller-miguel-vargas-da-positivo-al-coronavirus
https://hoy.com.do/se-desconoce-can...ana-fuente-principal-de-propagacion-covid-19/
https://hoy.com.do/el-covid-19-ya-circula-en-republica-dominicana/
https://n.com.do/2020/03/21/anfitri...haya-sido-foco-de-contaminacion-por-covid-19/
Supermarkets reduce their working hours and new conditions for shopping
The Bravo Supermarket: 7am to 6pm from Monday to Saturday. The supermarket says this gives time to sanitize and restock the shelves without any interaction with the customers before curfew time of 8pm.
Nacional supermarkets: From 7-8am for persons 65+ (these are allowed to be accompanied) and from 8 to 7pm for others from Monday through Sunday.
Supermarkets are asking parents to leave the children at home. However, persons who need assistance will be allowed a companion. The idea is to keep as possible the recommended social distancing within the store.
La Sirena: Open from 8am to 8pm, Monday to Saturday. Sunday and holidays from 9 to 5pm.
These schedules are subject to change. Please check with the store prior to visiting.
https://www.diariolibre.com/economi...-para-surtir-gondolas-e-higienizar-KP17810659
Barrios improvise to fight Covid-19 virus
Barrios are improvising to keep life going during these days of government curfew. Ingenuity and resourcefulness is evidenced and shared by the media. Many of the people in the communities are refraining from the traditional hugs and kisses, and photographers from media outlets have spotted the elbow bump and the "Namaste" greetings, along with other improvisations.
The media reports on alternatives the population is finding to avoid spreading the disease. In the low-income area of Capotillo, the people are fashioning facemasks using discarded clothing and the odd pieces of cloth. In La Zurza, bay rum and camphor are used to clean hands. In Manganagua people have placed soap dispensers in the colmados and other strategic places.
The biggest worry is, of course, that the disease may find fertile ground to spread in the crowded barrios, as well as the threat of increased crime. Several leaders of communities have requested the government increase patrols and personnel in their areas. Of course, the community leaders are worried about food for the people, and are requesting basic food supplies. The leadership of the Don Bosco barrio has called upon the National Police to be particularly alert and assist areas such as Mejoramiento Social, Villa Maria, 27 February, Loma de Chivo and others in the area. One of the common threads among all of the barrio leaders was their emphasis on the people washing their hands. This marks a major step forward.
Nevertheless, social media alerts and radio talk show hosts are alerting that the barrios have not internalized the dangers and continue to congregate.
https://eldia.com.do/barrios-ponen-...o-y-creatividad-para-protegerse-del-covid-19/
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=xv6vpA5fycM
Covid-19 virus hits the informal sector the most
The coronavirus is causing major disruption among those who work in the informal sector. This is estimated to employ around 59% of Dominican workers.
Street vendors, food stalls at the markets, trinket salespeople in tourist areas and those independent laborers who cut grass, trim hedges and clean up houses and gardens are the ones being most affected by the travel restriction, the curfew and the lack of clients for the most part.
As in the rest of the world, people here are asking "when will it end." As of this writing, there are well over a hundred confirmed cases and a one more fatality. In Santo Domingo the main commercial streets and avenues, such as Churchill, Lincoln, Mella and Maximo Gomez are pretty much deserted. In addition, those vendors that typically service the large bus terminals on the way out of the capital, are also in dire straits, with few passengers travelling anywhere.
However, the very basic need for foodstuffs has been something of a boon for some markets, since people have continued to buy up staples for the coming week or weeks, forcing merchants to try and restock their stands and shelves.
According to one report, there is a curious lack of people at hospitals such as the Marcelino Velez Santana, Dario Contreras and the Maternity center in Los Mina. With traffic down to a minimum, it is logical that the reporters did not find many people at the Dario Contreras, the nation's largest trauma center.
https://www.elcaribe.com.do/2020/03...un-gran-drama-para-sectores-informales-en-rd/
Brugal closes its offices and operations
The unhappy news has arrived that the Brugal Company, the leading rum manufacturer in the Dominican Republic, and a major exporter of its products, has shut down operations in the Dominican Republic in support of the government emergency decree. Brugal has 900 employees in the Dominican Republic. These were sent to stay at home until new notice.
https://www.diariolibre.com/economia/casa-brugal-anuncia-el-cierre-de-sus-operaciones-CK17847432
Security alert
Residents in the Dominican Republic are alerted by the Police that groups of people are visiting homes and apartments pretending to be National Drug Control Agency (DNCD) agents. The DNCD and Police say these operations are not taking place and residents should not open their doors to these people.
Circulating on social media is the tale of one condominium that refused to open the doors to the group, and the group said they would return with a prosecutor. They returned with the "prosecutor," but when the condominium help said that they would call the Police, the group left and did not return.
In case of doubt, call the Police or the DNCD at 809 221-4166, extension 6590 or the 911 hotline.
https://z101digital.com/dncd-advier...-pasar-por-agentes-para-entrar-a-residencias/
https://dr1.com/forums/showthread.php/177639-Quarantine-Security-Measures
All National Parks closed to visitors
The Dominican Republic has closed its protected nature areas to local and foreign visitors, the Ministry of Environment announced in a letter sent out on Friday, 20 March. The Ministry also says that events of any kind are postponed. A date is not given for the reopening of protected areas and will depend on the development of the Covid-19 virus in the Dominican Republic.
The Dominican Republic has called for a State of Emergency until 13 April, but this date is subject to change based on the COVID-19's ongoing impact in the country.
Free zones will start to close from Monday, 23 March
A large amount of medical devices is manufactured in the Dominican Republic. The Dominican Association of Free Zones (Adozona) recommends member companies that continue to operate to apply flexible work conditions to their employees. Meanwhile, most free zone companies say they will suspend their activities by Monday, 23 March 2020.
https://noticiassin.com/adozona-exh...spender-actividades-en-las-proximas-48-horas/
Record lows for fuel prices due to Covid-19, propane up
Fuel prices in the Dominican Republic have dropped to record lows. The Ministry of Industry & Commerce reported significant declines in the price of most fuels with the exception of propane gas that experienced an increase.
The Ministry of Industry & Commerce reported that for the week of 21 to 27 March the prices of fuel are:
Premium Gasoline RD$188.10 (down RD$22.80)
Regular Gasoline RD$173.20 (down RD$20.80)
Regular Diesel RD$136.30 (down RD$14.10)
Avtur RD$95.70 (down RD$16.40)
Fuel oil RD$RD$84.30 (down RD$14.30)
Propane RD$88.30 (up RD$5.80)
https://www.micm.gob.do/
https://listindiario.com/economia/2...-bajan-hasta-22-pesos-por-efectos-coronavirus
Chinese announce donations to help DR fight Covid-19
The Chinese government says that it attaches high importance to international cooperation in the fight against the Covid-19 epidemic, that it is paying close attention to the epidemic situation in the DR, and expresses its "deep solidarity."
The Embassy of China in the Dominican Republic announced the donation of 16,000 Covid-19 test kits, 55,000 masks, protective clothes, goggles, surgical gloves, medical shoe covers and forehead thermometers to assist the Dominican government in stopping the spread of the virus locally. The donation also includes several ventilators and thermal imaging temperature measurement systems.
The Embassy of China announced that the first batch of test kits has been received and will be delivered to the government as soon as possible.
The Embassy says that Chinese companies are using artificial intelligence to help increase detection and diagnostic efficiency. Medical experts from the National Health Commission of China and Hunan Province will hold two video conferences to exchange experiences with the Dominican medical authorities on containment, diagnosis and treatment of the disease.
In the announcement, China says that as the fight against the virus has gone global, the country is keeping in close contact with the Dominican Republic and other countries to overcome the epidemic as soon as possible.
The Chinese e-commerce giant online vendor, Alibaba reports it will ship 2 million masks, 400,000 test kits and 104 ventilators to 24 Latin American countries. The countries designated to receive these donations are Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Cuba, Ecuador, the Dominican Republic and Peru. The foundation of the founder of Alibaba, Jack Ma said it has 500,000 testing kits and 1 million face masks for donating to the US.
https://listindiario.com/la-republi...las-y-otros-insumos-para-combatir-el-covid-19
https://noticiassin.com/gobierno-de-china-donara-a-rd-16-mil-reactivos-para-pruebas-de-covid-19/
http://do.chineseembassy.org/esp/xwdt/t1759046.htm
https://www.scmp.com/news/china/dip...onates-18-million-masks-medical-supplies-help
Last tourists leave, evacuation flows in the Dominican Republic
The megaresorts in the Dominican Republic are now ghost cities. The lasts guests to be here have been flown back to their countries of origin. The flights were out of Punta Cana International and also out of Las Americas International. At Las Americas, only one terminal is operating after the Medina administration canceled all regular flights into and out of the Dominican Republic on Friday, 20 March 2020 to reduce the spread of the COVID-19.
Condor and Iberia operated several flights to take the last remaining tourists in the country back to Spain and Germany.
Hotels in Puerto Plata, Samaná, Bayahibe, La Romana and Punta Cana destinations are now practically empty. Thousands of workers have been sent home, many have been suspended without pay.
https://listindiario.com/la-republica/2020/03/20/609566/empiezan-a-salir-turistas-varados-en-el-pais
https://listindiario.com/economia/2...ncaminan-al-cierre-total-en-los-proximos-dias
https://listindiario.com/economia/2...-la-zona-norte-comienzan-a-cerrar-sus-puertas
https://noticiassin.com/un-total-de...del-pais-en-medio-de-emergencia-por-covid-19/
National District Mayor says garbage will be picked up from 8 to 5 pm
The mayor of the National District, David Collado says garbage will now be collected from 8am to 5pm. He said the measure is due to the new curfew. Given that there is no traffic in the city, garbage collection should be swift, if carried out as announced.
"Respecting the curfew announced by the government, the hours of garbage collection will be from 8 am to 5 pm. We await everyone's cooperation," the mayor informed the city.
"In this sense and with our hearts, I ask you to think about the staff that will continue working to keep the city clean, respecting the hours and generating the least amount of waste, recycling. They will have the necessary protection but we also need you," he said.
Normally the collectors work at night and in the early mornings to collect the city's solid waste.
These measures have been taken to prevent the spread of the coronavirus in the Dominican Republic.
https://listindiario.com/la-republi...orarios-de-recogida-basura-por-toque-de-queda
DR does not have capacity to handle multiple deaths
Forensic pathologist Sergio Sarita Valdez warned on Friday, 20 March 2020 that the Dominican Republic does not have the capacity to deal with a wave of deaths. He urged that the bodies of infected bodies not be exposed at funeral homes, nor autopsies carried out. He said the coffins should be sealed, protected and kept in airtight conditions in an isolated place.
"In terms of funeral homes, they should be handled in rapid transit from the moment they die, so they can either be cremated or buried immediately. You can't be holding wakes with people touching the body," he recommended.
Sarita Valdez urged health authorities to reach an agreement with funeral homes and negotiate the time and storage for foreigners, to store them in separate refrigerated vans until they can be returned to their countries of origin.
https://hoy.com.do/patologo-alerta-falta-espacio-para-manejar-posibles-muertos/
JCE reports on full results for municipal elections
With 100% of the 16,032 voting stations tallied, the Central Electoral Board (JCE) announced on Saturday, 21 March 2020, the full results for the municipal elections that took place on Sunday, 15 March. There was a 49.13% abstention. Of the 7,487,040 eligible voters, only 3,678,134 (49.13%) actually went to the polls. 179,261 votes were invalidated and another 1,680 were marked "observed."
The Modern Revolutionary Party (PRM) was the big winner. It won 81 of the 158 city governments, for 51.26%. The ruling Dominican Liberation Party (PLD) obtained 65 city governments, or 41.13%. At the close of the election, with around half of the vote carried out, the PLD propaganda had argued the two political parties had practically tied.
The Christian Social Reformist Party (PRSC) won 7 of the city governments or 4.43%. The PRD, a close ally of the PLD, only won 3, or 1.89%.
Both the Social Democratic Institutional Block Party (BIS) and the Christian People's Party (PPC) won the mayor's office of a municipality, giving them 0.63% of the valid votes, respectively.
The JCE is now working on preparing the presidential and congressional election scheduled for Sunday, 17 May 2020. On Friday, 20 March, the JCE opened the campaign for that event. The opening of the campaign coincided with President Danilo Medina on Thursday banning the assembly of individuals and groups for electoral activities to avoid the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
https://hoy.com.do/la-jce-termina-el-conteo-de-elecciones-municipales/
https://hoy.com.do/crisis-cp-y-division-pld-impacto-en-resultados-proceso/
Luis Abinader of the PRM says all propaganda is suspended
Modern Revolutionary Party (PRM) presidential candidate Luis Abinader announced that PRM advertising for the presidential and congressional election is suspended and that he will be working from home. He said his team is working on ideas for solutions to the difficult health and economic crisis due to the Covid-19 pandemic. He said the PRM has set up a virtual platform for collaborative working with each of the participants at home. Polls show Abinader is likely to be the next Dominican President.
"We would have liked the President [President Medina] to call for a great pact of national unity to confront the situation we are living in today; everyone knows that we are open and willing to cooperate, a position we reiterate, especially now that the people's difficulties are worsening with the tightening of measures to control the epidemic," he says.
He repeated the first recommendation he made in his speech to the country last Wednesday. "I reiterate today, firmly to the President, that the special contingency fund be urgently created to provide a minimum of 10 thousand pesos per month to all the formal and informal workers who have been made redundant. Not to do so now would be inhumane and very dangerous for the country," he stressed.
https://listindiario.com/la-republi...ad-de-la-campana-y-dice-trabaja-desde-su-casa
Gonzalo Castillo urges Dominicans to heed government recommendations
The presidential candidate for the ruling Dominican Liberation Party (PLD) Gonzalo Castillo urged Dominicans to stay at home and heed government recommendations. He said his political campaign would continue using its digital platform. Concurrently with the spreading of virus, political propaganda from the Castillo campaign continue to prevail in online publications and social media. He said these were times for solidarity.
https://hoy.com.do/coronavirus-gonzalo-castillo-llama-a-la-ciudadania-a-quedarse-en-su-casa/
Citizen Participation civic movement monitors government spending during coronavirus emergency
The non-partisan civic movement and Dominican chapter of Transparency International, Participación Ciudadana, warned that it will be vigilant and will monitor government procurement during the state of emergency period.
In a press release, the executive director of Participación Ciudadana, Carlos Pimentel, recalled that Organic Law No. 21-18 on the regulation of States of Exception, in Article 10, states "...during the state of emergency all necessary measures may be taken to combat infectious diseases, the protection of the environment...", and then noted that this may involve the contracting of goods or services to meet such purposes.
He expressed that Law No. 340-06 on Purchases and Contracting of Goods, Services, Works and Concessions, with amendments to Law 449-06, excludes from the application of the same the processes of purchases and contracting for reasons of security or national emergency that could affect the public interest, lives or the economy of the country, subject to prior declaration and substantiation.
Nevertheless, he emphasized that the purchases or contracting carried out by the Dominican State on the basis of this exception should not violate or exempt basic principles and standards to guarantee transparent public contracting, such as efficiency, to ensure the selection or acquisition of those goods that most satisfy and compensate the Dominican population.
"Those responsible for these contracts must guarantee the most favorable conditions for the general interest, such as the most convenient technical and economic offer. Public entities must consult the Registry of State Suppliers, identifying those already qualified," he added.
Citizen Participation hopes that, once the deadline has passed and when the declaration of emergency ceases, the principle of transparency and publicity will prevail, and that all interested parties will have free access to the administrative contracting file and complementary information on these contracts.
The executive director of the group took the opportunity to reiterate the provisions of Decree No. 490-07, which establishes the regulations of the Public Procurement and Contracting Law, regarding the procedures for cases of exception. "The first thing is to point out that it will be necessary to have certification of the availability of financial resources for the conclusion of the corresponding contract or the granting of a purchase order, in the case of acquisition of goods".
"From Participación Ciudadana we will be awaiting, fifteen calendar days after the end of the state of emergency, for the government to publish the detailed reports that the seller must submit to the General Comptroller of the Republic and the Chamber of Accounts, as well as for the compliance with the obligation to publish and disseminate them on the website of the General Procurement Office," said Pimentel.
Decree 134-20 declares a state of emergency throughout the national territory by virtue of the authorization granted by the National Congress through Resolution No. 62-20 of 19 March 2020.
https://acento.com.do/2020/actualid...-publicas-durante-emergencia-por-coronavirus/
Wasteful spending at its best: Ministry of Public Works propaganda irritates Dominicans more
On the morning of Friday, 20 March 2020, the media carried stories following up on the declaration of the State of Emergency by President Danilo Medina on the previous Thursday evening. While the free newspapers in the morning covered the story, their front pages instead were a four-page cover advertisement by the Ministry of Public Works. The Ministry was announcing the completion of the Santo Domingo bypass. The advertisement was meant to share with the people of Greater Santo Domingo that they will now be able to travel from the west, south or north to the East without having to pass through the capital city. But when it was published, traffic was already down to a trickle because of the call for all people to shelter in place, for nonessential businesses to close and for people to keep social distance.
The outrage at the lack of sensibility of the government propaganda hit social media. The propaganda was the trending topic on Friday and Saturday. An audio by psychiatrist Hector Guerrero Heredia conveyed the outrage of the people at spending of millions at a time when the money would best be used to deal with the virus. The story was only beat by when the Presidency declared a curfew, telling people to not circulate after 6 pm every day.
The convergence of the Covid-19 virus with the electoral election ahead seems to have caught the ruling Dominican Liberation Party (PLD) by surprise. It would seem that it is difficult for the government to unravel ways of acting after years of being in control.
Government orders curfew from 8pm to 6am
Which of your rights are curbed by the 2020 curfew decree?
Government stops Omsa and metro service; guarantees food supply
Currency exchanges will continue to function "normally"
Health insurance will soon cover testing costs if prescribed
How to get tested for the coronavirus: government and private labs in the Dominican Republic
Foreign Minister Miguel Vargas catches COVID-19
Elected mayors for Puerto Plata and San Francisco de Macoris have the Covid-19
Parents of newlyweds acknowledge not canceling the wedding was a big mistake
Supermarkets reduce their working hours and new conditions for shopping
Barrios improvise to fight Covid-19 virus
Covid-19 virus hits the informal sector the most
Brugal closes its offices and operations
Security alert
All National Parks closed to visitors
Free zones will start to close from Monday, 23 March
Record lows for fuel prices due to Covid-19
Chinese announce donations to help DR fight Covid-19
Last tourists leave, evacuation flows in the Dominican Republic
National District Mayor says garbage will be picked up from 8 to 5 pm
DR does not have the capacity to handle multiple deaths
JCE reports on full results for municipal elections
Luis Abinader of the PRM says all propaganda is suspended
Gonzalo Castillo urges Dominicans to heed government recommendations
Citizen Participation civic movement monitors government spending during coronavirus emergency
Wasteful spending at its best: Ministry of Public Works propaganda irritates Dominicans more
Government Covid-19 virus website provides updates
The Medina administration announced the launching of a government webpage dedicated to the Covid-19 virus developments. The website will feature the announcements made by the local coronavirus high commission and updated statistics.
On Sunday, 23 March 2020, Health Minister Rafael Sánchez Cárdenas urged people to stay at home, saying that the country was about to enter a phase of community spread. On Sunday, Sánchez Cárdenas announced an increase in 90 cases in just 24 hours for a total of 202 cases in the Dominican Republic. He also announced that the first two cases of Covid-19 detected in the country have now tested negative.
On Sunday, 23 March 2020, the Covid-19 High Commission announced three categories for public sector work, with most bureaucrats ordered to stay home. The High Commission also ordered the shutdown of nonessential call centers.
http://coronavirusrd.gob.do/
https://eldia.com.do/covid-19-ministro-de-salud-dice-pais-esta-cerca-de-la-trasmision-comunitaria/
https://n.com.do/2020/03/22/en-desg...s-por-el-gobierno-para-el-aislamiento-social/
https://eldia.com.do/el-pais-registra-90-casos-covid-19-en-24-horas-total-acumulado-es-de-202/
Government orders curfew from 8pm to 6am
President Danilo Medina issued Decree 134-20 on Friday, 20 March, imposing a curfew through 3 April 2020 and stricter transit measures in the Dominican Republic. The measure comes after Congress approved declaring a State of Emergency on Thursday, 19 March.
The Police is ordered to enforce the measures and during the first four days around 4,000 persons have been arrested for violating the curfew. Vehicles are being seized to ensure Dominicans take it seriously. The vehicles need to be recovered at the Canódromo vehicle storage on 4 April 2020. The government is urging people to take it seriously. Around 500 vehicles have been seized from people who were on the road during the curfew.
The last time the DR was subject to a curfew was in 1998 on 10 September after Hurricane Georges hit the southeast of the country, killing 235 persons.
The measure is intended to reduce the speed of transmission of the coronavirus after the total number of cases has climbed to 202 as reported on Sunday, 22 March 2020, almost double those on the previous day. Sánchez Cárdenas says that the spike is attributed to the wedding in Cap Cana, the cruise ship passengers on the Costa Favolosa and a private party.
https://listindiario.com/la-republi...s-un-toque-de-queda-y-que-implicaciones-tiene
https://listindiario.com/la-republi...fue-establecido-por-el-ciclon-georges-en-1998
https://n.com.do/2020/03/21/fotos-d...-el-gran-santo-domingo-pese-a-toque-de-queda/
https://hoy.com.do/coronavirus-mil-...s-durante-primera-jornada-del-toque-de-queda/
https://www.elcaribe.com.do/2020/03/20/cierran-negocios-por-no-acatar-medidas/
https://hoy.com.do/coronavirus-rd-va-acercandose-a-la-transmision-comunitaria/
https://hoy.com.do/coronavirus-durante-toque-de-queda-detienen-fotografo-del-hoy/
https://eldia.com.do/dos-mil-arrestados-en-segundo-dia-toque-de-queda/
https://eldia.com.do/asi-lucen-los-...-anunciadas-para-evitar-propagacion-covid-19/
https://eldia.com.do/autoridades-retienewn-366-vehiculos-en-toque-de-queda/
Which of your rights are curbed by the 2020 curfew decree?
Since most of the population on the Dominican Republic was not even born the last time there was an emergency and a curfew decreed by government in 1998, it is a good thing to know just how it affects everyone in the country. What Decree 134-20 means is that the rights of assembly, of transit and of holding a meeting are suspended for the time necessary to deal with the propagation of the COVID-19. However, none of the other civil liberties, such as freedom of expression, habeas corpus, due cause and the other rights listed in Article 266 of the Dominican Constitution and Article 11 of the Law covering the Exceptional State, are hindered or curtailed.
The decree issued by President Medina is for 25 days (through 13 April 2020), and, if five days before the end of this period, the authorities are not convinced that the cause of the State of Emergency has been remedied, the Executive Branch can request from Congress approval for an extension. The President is also obliged to provide periodic reports to the Congress regarding the situation that required the original decree in the first place.
https://eldia.com.do/cuales-derecho...os-con-la-declaracion-de-emergencia-nacional/
https://listindiario.com/la-republi...n-por-25-dias-numerosos-derechos-restringidos
https://listindiario.com/la-republi...alma-en-las-calles-anoche-tras-toque-de-queda
Government stops Omsa and metro service; guarantees food supply
The government announced that the Metropolitan Office of Bus Services (OMSA) buses, as well as the intercity busses (both large and small) are to stop running as a measure to insure social distancing and reduce the spread of the coronavirus. The OMSA buses, the Santo Domingo Metro and the city skylift over the Ozama River are also halted. Presidential Minister Gustavo Montalvo made the announcement. This measure will affect a large number of people.
Montalvo also noted that there is a guaranteed food supply and the egg and poultry industry has publically declared that they are ready to supply the entire market.
And finally, there is a little-known industry, called the Military Industry, which was begun by President Medina back in 2018, which will begin to supply disposable medical supplies such as surgical gowns and masks for the local market and the clinics and hospitals.
https://elnacional.com.do/gobierno-...interrumpe-servicios-omsa-metro-y-teleferico/
https://www.diariolibre.com/actuali...al-en-primer-dia-de-toque-de-queda-EK17848950
https://www.elcaribe.com.do/2020/03...bricara-material-medico-desechable-AK17844172
https://listindiario.com/la-republi...uses-omsa-metro-y-teleferico-de-santo-domingo
Currency exchanges will continue to function "normally"
The Dominican Association of Currency Exchanges (Adocambio) has announced that the "casas de cambio" will now be open at 8:30am to 3pm. According to the president of Adocambio, Carlos Pla, the different exchange houses operating in food stores will close at 5pm. Another measure taken by the association is the rotation of the personnel working at the different offices. As with the measures taken by supermarkets and banks, the reason is to contribute to the health of the employees and the customers.
https://www.diariolibre.com/economi...e-mantendran-laborando-normalmente-EO17805742
Health insurance will soon cover testing costs if ordered by doctor
The Superintendent of Labor Health and Risks (Sisalril) reported late last week that the Dominican Social Security System will guarantee access to testing for the Covid-19 virus ordered by their doctors. This is to be covered entirely by the National Health Insurance (SENASA).
It is important, however, to note that the protocols to be followed are the following:
+Persons that have been in countries where the virus has appeared during the previous 15 days, or those that have traveled on cruise ships.
+Persons that present two or more symptoms associated with the coronavirus
+Persons that have been in contact with persons diagnosed as having the virus.
+It is up to the attending physician to carry out the necessary triage to determine if the priorities established require or not the test to confirm the presence of the virus (PCR). Without the medical prescription, the laboratories will not do the test under the SENASA rules.
+The tests must be done by either public or private laboratories that have been specifically designated by the Ministry of Public Health for the tests, based on the Berlin Protocols, and using the reactive kits authorized by the Ministry and recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) as well as provide a strict compliance with the terms of the agreements between these laboratories and the Ministry of Public Health.
There is also a special series of steps in order for this test to be covered by the National Health Service, and because this situation is so new, and the process so important, the guidelines for obtaining the tests and the payment of the same, is currently being worked out by the authorities. The process is expected to be published early this week.
https://eldia.com.do/el-seguro-familiar-de-salud-cubrira-pruebas-coronavirus-indicadas-por-medicos/
https://hoy.com.do/sisalril-garantiza-cobertura-virus-para-afiliados/
How to get tested for the coronavirus: government and private labs in the Dominican Republic
The Ministry of Public Health is advising those who suspect they have coronavirus to not call 911 for emergency services. Instead, people are being told to call *462 0 (809 687-7347).
The Ministry of Public Health has a hotline for people to call in case the key symptoms are fever, dry cough and difficulty to breathe. The government will not carry out tests to persons that do not have these symptoms. The tests are free of cost. This is 809 686-9140, or 809 200-4091 for toll free calls from provinces from 8 am to 8 pm. There is also a WhatsApp telephone at 829 542-7009.
Amadita (https://amadita.com/) and Referencia (https://labreferencia.com/) labs are carrying out the test. The test needs to be prescribed by a pulmonologist, internist, infectologist or epidemiologist. After contacting the lab, a team of specialists will be sent to you to take the test at your domicile. Tests are not being carried out to persons who show up at the lab branches, nor persons that do not have coronavirus symptoms. The tests are costing RD$4,300.
For updated information on the virus, see http://coronavirusrd.gob.do/
Foreign Minister Miguel Vargas catches Covid-19
"Today [Sunday, 22 March 2020] I received the results of the test for Covid-19, and I'm positive, I still don't have any symptoms. I urge Dominicans to follow the health instructions and the established protocol. With the help of God, we will get ahead," the Foreign Minister said on Twitter. Miguel Vargas Maldonado is 69 years old.
The Foreign Minister had reported last Friday that one of his three children, Miguel Paúl Vargas García, tested positive for the Covid-19 coronavirus after attending a wedding in Cap Cana on 14 March 2020. Dozens of persons who attended that wedding have tested positive.
Public Health Minister Rafael Sánchez Cárdenas announced on Sunday, 22 March 2020, that the Dominican Republic had 202 positive cases of coronavirus and three registered deaths.
Elected mayors for Puerto Plata and San Francisco de Macoris have the Covid-19
The mayor-elect of Puerto Plata, Diomedes Garcia "Roquelito", tested positive for coronavirus, Listin Diario reported on 22 March 2020. García ran for the Modern Revolutionary Party (PRM). He defeated Walter Musa, who sought to stay in power after 14 years and three terms as city mayor.
The provincial president of the Modern Revolutionary Party (PRM), Igor Rodriguez, reported that the businessman and politician is in good physical condition and that the authorities and his doctors will soon share more details on his recovery.
After the intense campaign activity, García had kept attending to his business affairs and had met with numerous political leaders. He also visited with Puerto Plata Archbishop Julio César Corniel Amaro, along with his wife and children.
"Roquelito" Garcia is a well-known businessman who owns the Frank Felipe Hardware Store in this city. He has been linked for many years to carnival groups such as the Taimascaros and for years has supported sporting activities through his company.
The mayor-elect of San Francisco de Macorís, Siquio Ng, is another victim of the virus. He too had kept active after winning the PRM election.
https://listindiario.com/la-republi...to-de-puerto-plata-da-positivo-al-coronavirus
Parents of newlyweds acknowledge not canceling the wedding was a big mistake
Dozens or hundreds may have caught the Covid-19 disease after being at a wedding of a wealthy couple on 14 March 2020 in Cap Cana in Punta Cana. The wedding turned out to be a focal point, spreading it to at least 52 persons that are hospitalized.
The parents publicly apologized on Saturday. "We feel extremely sorry and sincerely apologize that such a special event as the marriage of our children has become a matter of concern for us, the guests and the country," the Sanz Caban-Leon Bisonó families said in a statement.
"We are deeply saddened that an event that was organized out of love has become a subject of national consternation," the statement said.
The families say they have taken isolation and quarantine measures and are continuing to collaborate with the health authorities.
On Friday, 20 March, Public Health Minister Rafael Sánchez Cárdenas confirmed the impact of the wedding on the local transmission of the disease. He said the virus was imported by foreigners who had attended.
During a press conference on Saturday, 21 March, Sánchez Cárdenas reported that Miguel Paul Vargas, son of Foreign Minister Miguel Vargas, was one of many infected with the coronavirus at the wedding. He had attended the wedding.
Currently, 52 patients are hospitalized with Covid-19, while 57 others are in home isolation after being in contact with persons who caught the virus at the wedding.
In total, there have been 112 infections in the Dominican Republic, 40 more than those announced the day before, and three deaths.
The story of the wedding went viral when snapshots of the "crazy hour," alluding to clothes worn by medics and patients affected by the coronavirus, circulated, receiving the outrage of the Dominican population. At the wedding, a "Barmacia" made available alcohol that pretended to be the vaccine for the virus.
After the commotion generated in the social networks, the Novella agency, in charge of organizing the wedding, apologized. "The Novella team deeply regrets the organization of the activity called Barmacia that took place at Saturday's wedding. At no time was it our intention to make fun of the serious situation the world is going through with the spread of Covid-19," says a message posted on his Instagram account.
Shortly after the wedding, when several persons began to feel ill, the Ministry of Public Health called for all who attended to go into self-isolation. Those showing symptoms were urged to get tested and seek medical help.
The actual number of those that would have caught the disease is unknown. Reports are that around 500 people were at the wedding that took place in Cap Cana. These later interacted with thousands of other people.
On 14 March when the wedding took place there were but five confirmed cases in the Dominican Republic, all imported cases. The activity was not banned, but the threat of the Covid-19 in the Dominican Republic was well known. The wedding is blamed for the speeding up of the spread of the disease in the country.
https://listindiario.com/la-republi...-que-presenten-sintomas-deben-ir-a-hospitales
https://listindiario.com/la-republi...ller-miguel-vargas-da-positivo-al-coronavirus
https://hoy.com.do/se-desconoce-can...ana-fuente-principal-de-propagacion-covid-19/
https://hoy.com.do/el-covid-19-ya-circula-en-republica-dominicana/
https://n.com.do/2020/03/21/anfitri...haya-sido-foco-de-contaminacion-por-covid-19/
Supermarkets reduce their working hours and new conditions for shopping
The Bravo Supermarket: 7am to 6pm from Monday to Saturday. The supermarket says this gives time to sanitize and restock the shelves without any interaction with the customers before curfew time of 8pm.
Nacional supermarkets: From 7-8am for persons 65+ (these are allowed to be accompanied) and from 8 to 7pm for others from Monday through Sunday.
Supermarkets are asking parents to leave the children at home. However, persons who need assistance will be allowed a companion. The idea is to keep as possible the recommended social distancing within the store.
La Sirena: Open from 8am to 8pm, Monday to Saturday. Sunday and holidays from 9 to 5pm.
These schedules are subject to change. Please check with the store prior to visiting.
https://www.diariolibre.com/economi...-para-surtir-gondolas-e-higienizar-KP17810659
Barrios improvise to fight Covid-19 virus
Barrios are improvising to keep life going during these days of government curfew. Ingenuity and resourcefulness is evidenced and shared by the media. Many of the people in the communities are refraining from the traditional hugs and kisses, and photographers from media outlets have spotted the elbow bump and the "Namaste" greetings, along with other improvisations.
The media reports on alternatives the population is finding to avoid spreading the disease. In the low-income area of Capotillo, the people are fashioning facemasks using discarded clothing and the odd pieces of cloth. In La Zurza, bay rum and camphor are used to clean hands. In Manganagua people have placed soap dispensers in the colmados and other strategic places.
The biggest worry is, of course, that the disease may find fertile ground to spread in the crowded barrios, as well as the threat of increased crime. Several leaders of communities have requested the government increase patrols and personnel in their areas. Of course, the community leaders are worried about food for the people, and are requesting basic food supplies. The leadership of the Don Bosco barrio has called upon the National Police to be particularly alert and assist areas such as Mejoramiento Social, Villa Maria, 27 February, Loma de Chivo and others in the area. One of the common threads among all of the barrio leaders was their emphasis on the people washing their hands. This marks a major step forward.
Nevertheless, social media alerts and radio talk show hosts are alerting that the barrios have not internalized the dangers and continue to congregate.
https://eldia.com.do/barrios-ponen-...o-y-creatividad-para-protegerse-del-covid-19/
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=xv6vpA5fycM
Covid-19 virus hits the informal sector the most
The coronavirus is causing major disruption among those who work in the informal sector. This is estimated to employ around 59% of Dominican workers.
Street vendors, food stalls at the markets, trinket salespeople in tourist areas and those independent laborers who cut grass, trim hedges and clean up houses and gardens are the ones being most affected by the travel restriction, the curfew and the lack of clients for the most part.
As in the rest of the world, people here are asking "when will it end." As of this writing, there are well over a hundred confirmed cases and a one more fatality. In Santo Domingo the main commercial streets and avenues, such as Churchill, Lincoln, Mella and Maximo Gomez are pretty much deserted. In addition, those vendors that typically service the large bus terminals on the way out of the capital, are also in dire straits, with few passengers travelling anywhere.
However, the very basic need for foodstuffs has been something of a boon for some markets, since people have continued to buy up staples for the coming week or weeks, forcing merchants to try and restock their stands and shelves.
According to one report, there is a curious lack of people at hospitals such as the Marcelino Velez Santana, Dario Contreras and the Maternity center in Los Mina. With traffic down to a minimum, it is logical that the reporters did not find many people at the Dario Contreras, the nation's largest trauma center.
https://www.elcaribe.com.do/2020/03...un-gran-drama-para-sectores-informales-en-rd/
Brugal closes its offices and operations
The unhappy news has arrived that the Brugal Company, the leading rum manufacturer in the Dominican Republic, and a major exporter of its products, has shut down operations in the Dominican Republic in support of the government emergency decree. Brugal has 900 employees in the Dominican Republic. These were sent to stay at home until new notice.
https://www.diariolibre.com/economia/casa-brugal-anuncia-el-cierre-de-sus-operaciones-CK17847432
Security alert
Residents in the Dominican Republic are alerted by the Police that groups of people are visiting homes and apartments pretending to be National Drug Control Agency (DNCD) agents. The DNCD and Police say these operations are not taking place and residents should not open their doors to these people.
Circulating on social media is the tale of one condominium that refused to open the doors to the group, and the group said they would return with a prosecutor. They returned with the "prosecutor," but when the condominium help said that they would call the Police, the group left and did not return.
In case of doubt, call the Police or the DNCD at 809 221-4166, extension 6590 or the 911 hotline.
https://z101digital.com/dncd-advier...-pasar-por-agentes-para-entrar-a-residencias/
https://dr1.com/forums/showthread.php/177639-Quarantine-Security-Measures
All National Parks closed to visitors
The Dominican Republic has closed its protected nature areas to local and foreign visitors, the Ministry of Environment announced in a letter sent out on Friday, 20 March. The Ministry also says that events of any kind are postponed. A date is not given for the reopening of protected areas and will depend on the development of the Covid-19 virus in the Dominican Republic.
The Dominican Republic has called for a State of Emergency until 13 April, but this date is subject to change based on the COVID-19's ongoing impact in the country.
Free zones will start to close from Monday, 23 March
A large amount of medical devices is manufactured in the Dominican Republic. The Dominican Association of Free Zones (Adozona) recommends member companies that continue to operate to apply flexible work conditions to their employees. Meanwhile, most free zone companies say they will suspend their activities by Monday, 23 March 2020.
https://noticiassin.com/adozona-exh...spender-actividades-en-las-proximas-48-horas/
Record lows for fuel prices due to Covid-19, propane up
Fuel prices in the Dominican Republic have dropped to record lows. The Ministry of Industry & Commerce reported significant declines in the price of most fuels with the exception of propane gas that experienced an increase.
The Ministry of Industry & Commerce reported that for the week of 21 to 27 March the prices of fuel are:
Premium Gasoline RD$188.10 (down RD$22.80)
Regular Gasoline RD$173.20 (down RD$20.80)
Regular Diesel RD$136.30 (down RD$14.10)
Avtur RD$95.70 (down RD$16.40)
Fuel oil RD$RD$84.30 (down RD$14.30)
Propane RD$88.30 (up RD$5.80)
https://www.micm.gob.do/
https://listindiario.com/economia/2...-bajan-hasta-22-pesos-por-efectos-coronavirus
Chinese announce donations to help DR fight Covid-19
The Chinese government says that it attaches high importance to international cooperation in the fight against the Covid-19 epidemic, that it is paying close attention to the epidemic situation in the DR, and expresses its "deep solidarity."
The Embassy of China in the Dominican Republic announced the donation of 16,000 Covid-19 test kits, 55,000 masks, protective clothes, goggles, surgical gloves, medical shoe covers and forehead thermometers to assist the Dominican government in stopping the spread of the virus locally. The donation also includes several ventilators and thermal imaging temperature measurement systems.
The Embassy of China announced that the first batch of test kits has been received and will be delivered to the government as soon as possible.
The Embassy says that Chinese companies are using artificial intelligence to help increase detection and diagnostic efficiency. Medical experts from the National Health Commission of China and Hunan Province will hold two video conferences to exchange experiences with the Dominican medical authorities on containment, diagnosis and treatment of the disease.
In the announcement, China says that as the fight against the virus has gone global, the country is keeping in close contact with the Dominican Republic and other countries to overcome the epidemic as soon as possible.
The Chinese e-commerce giant online vendor, Alibaba reports it will ship 2 million masks, 400,000 test kits and 104 ventilators to 24 Latin American countries. The countries designated to receive these donations are Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Cuba, Ecuador, the Dominican Republic and Peru. The foundation of the founder of Alibaba, Jack Ma said it has 500,000 testing kits and 1 million face masks for donating to the US.
https://listindiario.com/la-republi...las-y-otros-insumos-para-combatir-el-covid-19
https://noticiassin.com/gobierno-de-china-donara-a-rd-16-mil-reactivos-para-pruebas-de-covid-19/
http://do.chineseembassy.org/esp/xwdt/t1759046.htm
https://www.scmp.com/news/china/dip...onates-18-million-masks-medical-supplies-help
Last tourists leave, evacuation flows in the Dominican Republic
The megaresorts in the Dominican Republic are now ghost cities. The lasts guests to be here have been flown back to their countries of origin. The flights were out of Punta Cana International and also out of Las Americas International. At Las Americas, only one terminal is operating after the Medina administration canceled all regular flights into and out of the Dominican Republic on Friday, 20 March 2020 to reduce the spread of the COVID-19.
Condor and Iberia operated several flights to take the last remaining tourists in the country back to Spain and Germany.
Hotels in Puerto Plata, Samaná, Bayahibe, La Romana and Punta Cana destinations are now practically empty. Thousands of workers have been sent home, many have been suspended without pay.
https://listindiario.com/la-republica/2020/03/20/609566/empiezan-a-salir-turistas-varados-en-el-pais
https://listindiario.com/economia/2...ncaminan-al-cierre-total-en-los-proximos-dias
https://listindiario.com/economia/2...-la-zona-norte-comienzan-a-cerrar-sus-puertas
https://noticiassin.com/un-total-de...del-pais-en-medio-de-emergencia-por-covid-19/
National District Mayor says garbage will be picked up from 8 to 5 pm
The mayor of the National District, David Collado says garbage will now be collected from 8am to 5pm. He said the measure is due to the new curfew. Given that there is no traffic in the city, garbage collection should be swift, if carried out as announced.
"Respecting the curfew announced by the government, the hours of garbage collection will be from 8 am to 5 pm. We await everyone's cooperation," the mayor informed the city.
"In this sense and with our hearts, I ask you to think about the staff that will continue working to keep the city clean, respecting the hours and generating the least amount of waste, recycling. They will have the necessary protection but we also need you," he said.
Normally the collectors work at night and in the early mornings to collect the city's solid waste.
These measures have been taken to prevent the spread of the coronavirus in the Dominican Republic.
https://listindiario.com/la-republi...orarios-de-recogida-basura-por-toque-de-queda
DR does not have capacity to handle multiple deaths
Forensic pathologist Sergio Sarita Valdez warned on Friday, 20 March 2020 that the Dominican Republic does not have the capacity to deal with a wave of deaths. He urged that the bodies of infected bodies not be exposed at funeral homes, nor autopsies carried out. He said the coffins should be sealed, protected and kept in airtight conditions in an isolated place.
"In terms of funeral homes, they should be handled in rapid transit from the moment they die, so they can either be cremated or buried immediately. You can't be holding wakes with people touching the body," he recommended.
Sarita Valdez urged health authorities to reach an agreement with funeral homes and negotiate the time and storage for foreigners, to store them in separate refrigerated vans until they can be returned to their countries of origin.
https://hoy.com.do/patologo-alerta-falta-espacio-para-manejar-posibles-muertos/
JCE reports on full results for municipal elections
With 100% of the 16,032 voting stations tallied, the Central Electoral Board (JCE) announced on Saturday, 21 March 2020, the full results for the municipal elections that took place on Sunday, 15 March. There was a 49.13% abstention. Of the 7,487,040 eligible voters, only 3,678,134 (49.13%) actually went to the polls. 179,261 votes were invalidated and another 1,680 were marked "observed."
The Modern Revolutionary Party (PRM) was the big winner. It won 81 of the 158 city governments, for 51.26%. The ruling Dominican Liberation Party (PLD) obtained 65 city governments, or 41.13%. At the close of the election, with around half of the vote carried out, the PLD propaganda had argued the two political parties had practically tied.
The Christian Social Reformist Party (PRSC) won 7 of the city governments or 4.43%. The PRD, a close ally of the PLD, only won 3, or 1.89%.
Both the Social Democratic Institutional Block Party (BIS) and the Christian People's Party (PPC) won the mayor's office of a municipality, giving them 0.63% of the valid votes, respectively.
The JCE is now working on preparing the presidential and congressional election scheduled for Sunday, 17 May 2020. On Friday, 20 March, the JCE opened the campaign for that event. The opening of the campaign coincided with President Danilo Medina on Thursday banning the assembly of individuals and groups for electoral activities to avoid the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
https://hoy.com.do/la-jce-termina-el-conteo-de-elecciones-municipales/
https://hoy.com.do/crisis-cp-y-division-pld-impacto-en-resultados-proceso/
Luis Abinader of the PRM says all propaganda is suspended
Modern Revolutionary Party (PRM) presidential candidate Luis Abinader announced that PRM advertising for the presidential and congressional election is suspended and that he will be working from home. He said his team is working on ideas for solutions to the difficult health and economic crisis due to the Covid-19 pandemic. He said the PRM has set up a virtual platform for collaborative working with each of the participants at home. Polls show Abinader is likely to be the next Dominican President.
"We would have liked the President [President Medina] to call for a great pact of national unity to confront the situation we are living in today; everyone knows that we are open and willing to cooperate, a position we reiterate, especially now that the people's difficulties are worsening with the tightening of measures to control the epidemic," he says.
He repeated the first recommendation he made in his speech to the country last Wednesday. "I reiterate today, firmly to the President, that the special contingency fund be urgently created to provide a minimum of 10 thousand pesos per month to all the formal and informal workers who have been made redundant. Not to do so now would be inhumane and very dangerous for the country," he stressed.
https://listindiario.com/la-republi...ad-de-la-campana-y-dice-trabaja-desde-su-casa
Gonzalo Castillo urges Dominicans to heed government recommendations
The presidential candidate for the ruling Dominican Liberation Party (PLD) Gonzalo Castillo urged Dominicans to stay at home and heed government recommendations. He said his political campaign would continue using its digital platform. Concurrently with the spreading of virus, political propaganda from the Castillo campaign continue to prevail in online publications and social media. He said these were times for solidarity.
https://hoy.com.do/coronavirus-gonzalo-castillo-llama-a-la-ciudadania-a-quedarse-en-su-casa/
Citizen Participation civic movement monitors government spending during coronavirus emergency
The non-partisan civic movement and Dominican chapter of Transparency International, Participación Ciudadana, warned that it will be vigilant and will monitor government procurement during the state of emergency period.
In a press release, the executive director of Participación Ciudadana, Carlos Pimentel, recalled that Organic Law No. 21-18 on the regulation of States of Exception, in Article 10, states "...during the state of emergency all necessary measures may be taken to combat infectious diseases, the protection of the environment...", and then noted that this may involve the contracting of goods or services to meet such purposes.
He expressed that Law No. 340-06 on Purchases and Contracting of Goods, Services, Works and Concessions, with amendments to Law 449-06, excludes from the application of the same the processes of purchases and contracting for reasons of security or national emergency that could affect the public interest, lives or the economy of the country, subject to prior declaration and substantiation.
Nevertheless, he emphasized that the purchases or contracting carried out by the Dominican State on the basis of this exception should not violate or exempt basic principles and standards to guarantee transparent public contracting, such as efficiency, to ensure the selection or acquisition of those goods that most satisfy and compensate the Dominican population.
"Those responsible for these contracts must guarantee the most favorable conditions for the general interest, such as the most convenient technical and economic offer. Public entities must consult the Registry of State Suppliers, identifying those already qualified," he added.
Citizen Participation hopes that, once the deadline has passed and when the declaration of emergency ceases, the principle of transparency and publicity will prevail, and that all interested parties will have free access to the administrative contracting file and complementary information on these contracts.
The executive director of the group took the opportunity to reiterate the provisions of Decree No. 490-07, which establishes the regulations of the Public Procurement and Contracting Law, regarding the procedures for cases of exception. "The first thing is to point out that it will be necessary to have certification of the availability of financial resources for the conclusion of the corresponding contract or the granting of a purchase order, in the case of acquisition of goods".
"From Participación Ciudadana we will be awaiting, fifteen calendar days after the end of the state of emergency, for the government to publish the detailed reports that the seller must submit to the General Comptroller of the Republic and the Chamber of Accounts, as well as for the compliance with the obligation to publish and disseminate them on the website of the General Procurement Office," said Pimentel.
Decree 134-20 declares a state of emergency throughout the national territory by virtue of the authorization granted by the National Congress through Resolution No. 62-20 of 19 March 2020.
https://acento.com.do/2020/actualid...-publicas-durante-emergencia-por-coronavirus/
Wasteful spending at its best: Ministry of Public Works propaganda irritates Dominicans more
On the morning of Friday, 20 March 2020, the media carried stories following up on the declaration of the State of Emergency by President Danilo Medina on the previous Thursday evening. While the free newspapers in the morning covered the story, their front pages instead were a four-page cover advertisement by the Ministry of Public Works. The Ministry was announcing the completion of the Santo Domingo bypass. The advertisement was meant to share with the people of Greater Santo Domingo that they will now be able to travel from the west, south or north to the East without having to pass through the capital city. But when it was published, traffic was already down to a trickle because of the call for all people to shelter in place, for nonessential businesses to close and for people to keep social distance.
The outrage at the lack of sensibility of the government propaganda hit social media. The propaganda was the trending topic on Friday and Saturday. An audio by psychiatrist Hector Guerrero Heredia conveyed the outrage of the people at spending of millions at a time when the money would best be used to deal with the virus. The story was only beat by when the Presidency declared a curfew, telling people to not circulate after 6 pm every day.
The convergence of the Covid-19 virus with the electoral election ahead seems to have caught the ruling Dominican Liberation Party (PLD) by surprise. It would seem that it is difficult for the government to unravel ways of acting after years of being in control.
Last edited:
