The military, police and health authorities are getting tougher as they attempt to quell a spike in Covid-19 cases. The number of cases has increased in Greater Santo Domingo and in most provinces after the curfew was reduced on 29 September 2020. The increase coincides with the Mercedes Day long weekend.
In a press conference on Thursday, 8 October 2020, Health Minister Plutarco Arias; Interior & Police deputy ministers Jesus Feliz and Mercedes Perez; Police director Major General Edward Ramón Sánchez González; and General Santo Domingo Guerrero Clase for the Ministry of Defense, announced they will be stricter about enforcing the curfew. The authorities said they will be working with the provinces’ governors to create greater awareness and prevention attitudes among the population.
The Ministry of Public Health announced the signing of an inter-institutional agreement to step up of restrictive measures. The rise in cases comes after the government reduced curfew hours to 9pm on weekdays and 7pm on Sundays.
“Only 30% of Dominicans fear Covid-19,” said Health Minister Plutarco Arias, commenting on a recent survey by the ministry on the local perception on the epidemic. He said this is why many are not serious about wearing masks and physical distancing. “We want citizens to listen; don’t let your guard down, and be in fear of Covid-19,” he said. “Covid-19 is the Achilles heel of the Dominican Republic,” he said, urging that people collaborate to contain the disease.
Dr. Arias said Covid-19 is here and many young people are asymptomatic and are spreading the disease. “Less hospital beds are indeed occupied, but the possibility of catching the disease is very high and that of dying, too,” he said.
A record number of 344 persons has tested positive to PCR tests in La Romana. In the province of Santo Domingo, 147 persons tested positive, according to the most recent Bulletin #203. Total confirmed PCR cases nationwide is up to 724 for the 7 October 2020 deadline. He attributed the rise in cases to the many gatherings of friends and family.
Regarding the Wednesday bulletin, the health authorities said the high of 166 cases in La Altagracia province were traced to 58 Haitians who had tested positive after gathering for a cockfighting ring in Batey La Ceiba northern Macao. Another 68 tested positive at the La Altagracia jail.
Dr. Arias said that the tourist areas have not been affected in the province. He said protocols in those areas are being followed, and the airport entry operations have gone as planned. For the Thursday bulletin, the number of positives in La Altagracia was down to 34 confirmed PCR cases.
“We are asking the population to adhere to protocols for their safety. Keep physical distance,” said the health minister. He urged the Superintendence of Banks to order the banks to have more cashiers to reduce the banks’ long queues.
Jesus Feliz of the Ministry of Interior & Police said that there will be “no exceptions.” All circulating without permits will be arrested. He says businesses operating after curfew will be shut down and prosecuted for violating the National Health Law. He said health inspectors will be working in coordination with the police and the military.
“What is new is that we involve a whole network of social organizations,” said Feliz. He explained health ministry is working with the provincial governors. The agreement establishes specific responsibilities in this reach to convince the population to not take chances with Covid-19.
Feliz said Ministry of Health inspectors, the Police and the Ministry of Interior & Police alcoholic beverages control unit (COBA) agents are patrolling to find those violating the curfew. He said: “You need to be aware, or we will make you aware.”
Feliz urged people: “Do not challenge the pandemic.” He said that the only way to stop it is to follow what scientists tell us about using masks and keeping physical distancing and hygiene measures. He announced a campaign to visit homes to educate the parents and the citizens to become aware that every person has a role to play to stop the pandemic.
Police director Major General Edward Sánchez González said the force would be working with the Ministry of Defense to control circulation during curfew hours. We do not want to be repressive, but citizens need to become aware that the country is at risk, with the economy suffering. He said businesses that violate the curfew will be closed, and the owners arrested and sent to justice. He urged people to contribute to restoring normalcy.
If the spike in cases is not put under control, the curfew will likely be brought back to 7pm on weekdays and 5pm on weekends. The curfew decree expires on 17 October 2020. It all depends on Dominicans capacity to keep physical distancing. Health Minister Arias is clear: “All will depend on how the positivity rate goes.”
Read more:
DR1 News – Covid-19 Bulletin #203
Listin Diario
8 October 2020