President Luis Abinader has issued a new decree, 61-21, that extends the current plan of Covid-19 prevention protocols and curfews until 22 February 2021. This means that the curfew starts at 7pm and ends at 5am Monday through Friday. On Saturdays and Sundays, the curfew runs from 5pm until 5am. There is a three-hour “free transit” period to get home from work or shopping or whatever other activity one might be doing. After that, there are truly serious penalties for violation of the curfew.
This past weekend, a commercial center in Santiago, Century Plaza, was raided by police and prosecutors. Around 20 persons who were eating and drinking and watching a Caribbean Series baseball game were arrested.
Decree 61-21 reminds people that face masks are obligatory in all public and private places open to the public at large. However, gyms, restaurants and other venues are also allowed to receive clients up to a certain occupancy percentage. At this level, also, the fines are very stiff.
Government working hours continue until only 3pm. Crowd gathering in public spaces is banned. Restaurants are ordered to limit table occupancy to six persons. The tourism sector operates under a separate safety protocol. Delivery is allowed until 11pm.
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Diario Libre
N Digital
7 February 2021