Authorities arrested dozens of persons and towed many vehicles for violation of the regulations regarding public gatherings during this National State of Emergency. The arrests were made at swimming places along streams and rivers in Bonao, San Jose de las Matas, Arroyo Hondo and Las Charcas in Santiago, as well as in La Vega, Jarabacoa, Yásica, Mao and other places. These folks will be cited for violations of the current decrees closing all swimming places and beaches during this emergency.
Reports are that in Santiago many people were out shopping for food on Good Friday and Saturday. The media reported that for the most part, Dominicans did adhere to the call to stay at home during the leading national vacation week. In Boca Chica, the media reports that at the major beach for the metropolitan area of the National District, there was not a soul to be seen. All the chaise-lounges were stacked and the jet-skis were parked in a corner. All the commercial establishments of the town were closed up tight.
On a more positive note, the Center for Emergency Operations has not issued a traffic fatality report this year. Last year there were 33 traffic and drowning deaths. Of course, there are police and armed forces units posted at each toll station on the highways in and out of Santo Domingo and only medical personnel and certain supply trucks are going through.
Overall, the Police continue to wage an uphill battle against youths that are not taking the coronavirus curfew seriously. The Police say arrests continue upwards of 1,100 regardless of the day. Last week, a urban singer “El Sujeto” was arrested, after video had circulated online showing how the Police had let him go despite being in violation of the curfew.
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Listin Diario
Listin Diario
Hoy
Acento
El Caribe
13 April 2020