The Ministry of Tourism issued Resolution DJ-007/2021 with special regulations for the industry during the Easter Week, the peak time for domestic tourism. The Ministry says that hotels are reporting 70% occupancy and is concerned this could result in a spike in Covid-19 cases in the country.
Most Dominican hotels have reopened, and several that had been closed are reopening for the Easter holiday to cater to the increased demand. The Ministry orders a maximum occupancy of 80%. The Resolution applies to tourism businesses and beaches from 1 April to 5 April at 7am. To date, resorts have operated under special protocols that enable restaurants to stay open beyond the general curfew hours. The Resolution seeks to restrict agglomerations for the Easter Week to reduce the risk of crowds at the hotels spreading Covid-19.
The Ministry orders the hotels to comply with dispositions in Decree 171-21 issued on 16 March for the Easter Week domestic holiday.
It orders hotels that offer transportation for their employees to run these with a maximum of 75% capacity.
It also establishes new measures that are applicable for 1, 2, 3 and 4 April 2021, the peak days of the Easter holiday. These are:
Restaurants located in Cap Cana, Casa de Campo and Punta Cana need to respect the dispositions in Decree 171-21 that prohibits the consumption and sale of alcoholic beverages.
It establishes that restaurants in Las Terrenas, Samaná and Cabarete, Puerto Plata can remain open until 9pm.
It establishes that as of Friday, 2 April, day or night visitors are not allowed at these hotels. The hotels can only serve the guests that are staying there. The guests must adhere to Decree 171-21, that means they are allowed free transit up to 10pm.
The resolution establishes that the sale of alcoholic beverages in tourist businesses is banned from 3pm to 7am from 1 April to 5 April at 7am. Guests must adhere to Decree 171-21 and health protocols in place for tourist businesses.
Jet Skis/Wave Runners and Banana Boats are prohibited from 1-4 April 2021 at beaches nationwide. The use of motorcycles, Four Wheels and motorized vehicles is prohibited inside the beach areas. Camping out is banned on beaches.
Parties, concerts and events where people agglomerate are banned at the hotels and resorts. The Ministry orders discotheques in the hotels to remain closed. No activities are allowed after midnight. The use of hookas and similar items is banned.
Water parks, horse ranches and similar businesses need to operate at a maximum of 50% capacity.
The Ministry of Tourism announced that more than 12,000 military and 25,000 police will be supervising tourism destinations for the special Easter Week resolution’s compliance.
Read more in Spanish:
Ministry of Tourism
El Caribe
26 March 2021