The coordinator for the High Commission for the Prevention of Coronavirus, Presidency Minister Gustavo Montalvo confirmed that beaches will continue open in the Dominican Republic. These had reopened on 1 July 2020. The Civil Defense agency had banned people from visiting beaches in a note issued on Sunday, 19 July. The Civil Defense agency would later roll back the shutdown.
Montalvo says that beachgoers are required to comply with physical distancing protocols. In an address to the nation from the Presidential Palace on Tuesday, 21 July 2020, he announced that popular watering spots (balnearios), lagoons and rivers are banned. He announced public parks with large outdoor spaces, religious services will continue open to tourists and the general public that need at all times to adhere to physical distancing protocols.
Montalvo said that restaurants can remain open for alfresco dining, delivery and takeout. Restaurants that have open air terraces can serve patrons. He said to serve indoors, the restaurants need to be able to leave the windows open to ensure fresh air circulation and physical distancing of two meters.
He also announced that popular bars known as “colmadones” can only sell alcoholic beverages for takeout and delivery. No tables for patrons are allowed.
There is bad news for gyms. Montalvo said these are closed spaces and thus cannot yet reopen. Cockfighting arenas are also to remain closed.
In his address to the nation, Montalvo insisted on the importance of social distancing. He called for banks to add more ATMs and cashiers nationwide to reduce the long lines. He alerted there cannot be people agglomerations in shopping malls. He said transport needs to limit passengers to 60% of the vehicle’s capacity.
Montalvo reminded Dominicans that face masks are mandatory, as is physical distancing, handwashing and other hygiene measures. He urged companies to operate with pre-set appointments, and specifically mentioned the cases of doctors’ practices and beauty parlors.
He said the public sector would continue regular schedules starting at 7, 8 or 9am or via teleworking.
Montalvo announced the gradual increasing of hospitalization capacity in the country. He said some 500 new hospital beds are being added to the present capacity, including 185 intensive care units. He mentioned new hospitals would be opening to care for patients in Bonao, Santiago, Santo Domingo and Neiba.
He also mentioned the coming inauguration of the Ciudad Sanitaria Luis Aybar in Santo Domingo. The Luis Aybar facility is the largest built by the Medina administration. President Danilo Medina had announced in his 27 February state of the nation address that the hospital that has capacity for 600 beds would open on 11 March 2020. Despite the pressing needs of the epidemic, the hospital has not yet opened and there is no set date for the opening, despite the announcement by Montalvo.
Montalvo motivated Dominicans to do their part to fight the virus. “It is time to show our solidarity, empathy and love for our brothers with actions,” he said. He called for all to act responsibly to minimize the spread.
“The danger is real, the consequences are real and our response needs to be a decisive one,” he said. He said the present administration would continue to take measures to protect Dominicans to its last day. The Medina administration ends on 16 August 2020.
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21 July 2020