The Ministry of Public Health Coronavirus Bulletin #689 with the deadline of 5 February 2022 reports 956 new cases, down from the previous day (1,620 cases). The death rate continues to drop and is now at 0.77%, one of the lowest in the Americas.
Ministry of Public Health director of Epidemiology, Dr. Ronald Skewes says the fifth wave with the Omicron variant has leveled off and active cases have been consistently dropping over the past 10 days, despite the gatherings for the Altagracia-Duarte extra-long weekend.
The present trend is one of a significant decline in active cases. The sale of low cost antigen Covid-19 tests in pharmacies (RD$300) is expected to contribute to a further reduction in the spread as people can early on test at home. Tests carried out by the labs dropped to about half after the home kits became available.
Bulletin #689 reports active Covid-19 cases are 4,472, down from the previous day’s 4,846. The number of cases is below the peak of 55,773 active cases registered for the 5th of July 2021 deadline. With around 66% of the population vaccinated with least two doses of vaccine, and 78.5% with at least one dose, the population successfully dealt with the Delta variant-dominating fourth wave outbreak. The Delta wave was unusually short and dissipated. This was attributed to the widespread vaccination with two Sinovac and the booster shot with Pfizer, according to a recent University of Yale study. The government is recommending those who have two Pfizer get the Sinovac vaccine, and that those with two Pfizers, get the Sinovac vaccine. Yet another Pfizer shot is also available upon demand at select vaccination centers.
The fast-spreading Omicron variant is the dominant strain, bringing the fifth wave. So far, reports are that cases reported in the Dominican Republic have been mostly in persons without symptoms or with symptoms of a mild cold. Influenza is also circulating at the same time. If the downward trend is maintained, the spread of the Omnicron variant will also be short-lived.
The statistics do not reflect the likely larger number of cases. In the Dominican Republic most people with mild symptoms are not likely to get tested or purchase a home kit thus not reporting the case to the national system. Free tests continue to be available at universities and public hospitals, but long lines and delays in getting results continue, discouraging many from requesting the free tests.
The most Covid-19 PCR-registered cases are in Greater Santo Domingo (the National District and Santo Domingo province) followed by Santiago, the country’s second largest city.
The national 4-week positivity rate for the 5 February 2022 Epidemiological Bulletin #689 is at 21.21%, down from the previous day. The 24-hour positivity for the day is 13.57%, down from the previous day. The talk of the town continues to be Omicron, influenza and the common cold. Those that have not fallen ill, know someone who is down with one of the three. Most people are back at their work places.
The positivity rate has declined significantly. It is now under 20% in 13 of 31 provinces and the National District. The positivity in the National District and provinces of larger populations for bulletin #689 was: La Altagracia 27.37%, Espaillat 26.08%, La Vega 25.05%, National District 24.65%, Santiago 22.56%, Santo Domingo province 18.48%, Duarte 17.18%, La Romana 16.77%, Puerto Plata 15.10% and San Cristóbal 13.88%.
The authorities continue to unfold efforts to override resistance to vaccination in many population groups that allege religious reasons and among others who distrust the vaccines or have just not taken the time to get vaccinated. The authorities seek to disavow the counsel of many evangelical pastors and Roman Catholic priests who have been known to discourage vaccinating among their followers. Hundreds of thousands of Haitians that live in the Dominican Republic have also rejected getting vaccinated for cultural and religious reasons.
The daily number of vaccines administered has been gradually increasing after the government ordered that it is mandatory to have three vaccines (2 AstraZeneca + 1 Pfizer, 2 Sinovac + 1 Pfizer or 2 Pfizer +1 Sinovac) for residents to enter government buildings by 21 February 2022.
The record vaccinations for one day is 184,208 on 10 June 2021. For the 5 February 2022 deadline, Our World in Data reports 32,559 first and second dose vaccines were applied, an increase in vaccinations. The rolling 7-day average has been increasing and as of 5 February 2022 deadline is now at 38,043 vaccines applied per day.
The VacunateRD government website reports injecting 7,011,201 first doses of the vaccine and 5,817,561 second doses for the 5 February 2022 report deadline. The government began to vaccinate for the Covid-19 virus on 16 February 2021.
The National Vaccination Plan recommends a booster shot different from the first two doses to be applied a month after the second dose of the Sinovac vaccine or the AstraZeneca vaccine. A Sinovac vaccine is recommended for those who have two Pfizers, yet a third Pfizer is also available. The booster vaccine is mandatory as of 21 February 2022 for the entry to government offices and many private spaces.
For the 5 February 2022 deadline, the Ministry of Public Health had reported that 2,066,178 people had received the third booster shot. The government has ordered all with the first two shots to get the booster shot, especially with the entry of the new Omicron variant. The Ministry of Public Health mandates that the booster shot (third vaccine of a kind different from the first two) or less than three month Covid-19 positive certificate is obligatory for entry to many public spaces as of 21 February 2022.
The fourth vaccine shot is also now available for seniors (60+), front line workers and those with health vulnerabilities who had received the third booster shot six months ago.
Because of the cold storage requirements for the Pfizer shot, it is available at main city vaccination centers. As of mid-December, more than 65% of the adult population is already fully vaccinated (two doses or more) in the Dominican Republic, but the government has vaccine stocks for 100%+ and wants more people to get the jab. 78% of the population has at least one dose. Likewise, Health Cabinet statistics indicate that 17% of the population has the third booster dose. Likewise, 70% of adolescents ages 12 to 17 years have had the first dose and 47% have had two doses.
The Ministry of Public Health reports in its 24 January 2022 vaccination bulletin that La Altagracia (Punta Cana) leads in population that has received two doses, with 103.5% and 28.1 of the population with the third booster shot. Next follow the National District 95.2% (38.6% booster), Pedernales 82.1% (24.3% booster), La Romana 71.0%, (19.4% booster), San Pedro de Macorís 73.8% (28.2% booster), Dajabón 66.4% (22.8% booster), Puerto Plata 75.2% (27.1% booster) and Espaillat 73.1% (18.8% booster).
The percentages for second dose in other provinces are: Independencia 65.3% (33.4%), Sánchez Ramírez 65.1% (22.3%), Barahona 63.0% (32.1%), Elías Piña 58.7% (34.4%), Monte Plata 64.2% (25.2%), San José de Ocoa 61.8% (24.9%), El Seibo 60.5% (17.8%), Hato Mayor 61.6% (21.6%), Baoruco (64.1% (38.9%), Montecristi 59.7% (18.0%), Santiago 60.2% (18.5%), Samaná 59.9% (17.9%), Peravia 60.0% (18.5%), Santo Domingo 58.7% (15.9%), Azua 58.6% (20.3%), San Cristóbal 58.2% (15.5%), Valverde 60.5% (21.5%), Santiago Rodríguez 600% (20.6%), San Juan de la Maguana 56.8% (25.0%), María Trinidad Sánchez 56.7% (16.6%), La Vega 57.0% (16.1%), Duarte 56.2% (12.9%), Monseñor Nouel 56.1% (12.9%) and Hermanas Mirabal 57.9% (28.1%).
The national average with two doses is 66.2%. 78.5% of the population has at least one dose, and 21.9% has three doses. The Ministry of Public Health has enough vaccine stocks to vaccinate the target population, but there has been a generalized opposition of large sectors, primarily regarding the third dose.
The vaccinations have spared the population a major spike in Covid-19 cases even with the entry of more aggressive variants. The Presidency on 11 October 2021 removed curfew restrictions nationwide and the new measures seek to motivate those that have not been vaccinated to get with it. The government has said it is betting on the vaccines to not have to impose curfew restrictions.
As of 18 October 2021, the government is requiring physical or digital proof that people be fully vaccinated (two doses) for entering government offices, public transport and schools. As of 31 January 2021, this measure is extended to the include a third booster shot.
The goal is that at least 70% of the adult population be fully vaccinated. The authorities say the vaccines have protected people that catch the disease from being hospitalized. Death numbers and hospitalizations continue to be under control despite the recent surge in cases.
The 956 new cases in Bulletin #689 compares to the 7-day nationwide average for confirmed cases that is 1,223, down from the previous 7-day average. The spread of Omicron is on the decline. The 956 cases is the lowest since the 911 for 28 December 2021.
In the Dominican Republic, since the elimination of curfew on 11 October 2021, most restrictions have been erased and there are many activities that congregate thousands of people, such as the current winter baseball professional championship, shopping and family and friends mingling for the holidays. The entertainment industry is also back, with packed audiences in both open and closed venues over the holidays. Compliance of masking is waning, yet people still routinely wear masks in stores.
As per Bulletin #689, with the deadline of 5 February 2022, the Ministry of Public Health has registered 562,613 PCR or antigen-confirmed cases since the first case on 1 March 2020. Labs carried out 7,046 first-time PCR and antigen tests. This number of tests compares with the 14-day average now at 7,338, down from the previous day.
The Ministry of Public Health is monitoring the new variants and their impact in the Dominican Republic as circulation restrictions are now reduced to a minimum. The Ministry says unvaccinated people drive the spread of the disease.
The government is betting on getting more people vaccinated. While there is an increase in cases, the death rate and hospitalizations continue under control. The government says that around 66% of the population is fully vaccinated and this apparently is containing the spread of the virus now that new variants are in circulation.
Decree 622-21 removed the curfew. Yet the Ministry of Public Health issued Resolution #048 that mandates vaccines for those older than 12 years and maintains a ban on the sale of alcoholic beverages from 12 midnight to 5am nationwide. This has been relaxed for the Christmas holidays until 6 January 2022.
Ministry of Public Health permits continue to be required for events where people agglomerate and public places and private places for public use are limited to 75% of capacity.
The general vaccination drive is open to persons 12+ years old since Saturday, 12 June 2021 with the arrival of Pfizer vaccines to select vaccination centers. As of 2 July 2021, a third Pfizer booster shot has been available.
By global standards, the Dominican Republic has been relatively successful at treating Covid-19 and keeping the number of deaths low. For the 5 February 2022 deadline, Worldometer lists the 1M deaths per inhabitant rate for the Dominican Republic at 392. According to the same 1M deaths statistics, fewer people have died of Covid-19 in the Dominican Republic than in Brazil at 2,939, the United States at 2,771, Argentina at 2,673, Colombia at 2,619, Italy at 2,463, the United Kingdom at 2,312, Russia at 2,287, Spain at 2,014, France at 2,021, Germany 1,417 and Canada at 905 all major markets for Dominican tourism and countries with overall better health systems.
Three Covid-related deaths are recorded for the 5 February 2022 deadline. No death is reported having occurred in the previous 24 hours of the deadline. As of the 5 February 2022 deadline, 4,325 persons are reported to have died of the disease in the Dominican Republic, a nation of more than 10.8 million adults since March 2020. The fatality rate has been dropping and now is at 0.77%. The fatality rate per 1M inhabitants is 413.94. Dominican physicians’ diverse treatment for the disease has been relatively successful in the region. The Ministry of Public Health reports that the country’s 413.94 fatality rate per 1M compares favorably to the average 1M inhabitants’ fatality rate for the Americas at 2,432.42 as of 5 February 2022.
The Ministry of Public Health report #689 confirms the decline in serious cases. The bulletin indicates 13% of Covid-19 public hospital beds are occupied (315 of 2,261 total available), down from the previous day. 22% of the intensive care units for Covid-19 are taken (127 of 585), down from the day before. The hospitalization statistics are for all the country. Hospitalization demand in Greater Santo Domingo, Santiago and other major cities is much higher than the national average. The hospitals say that most of the patients that require hospitalization had not been vaccinated for Covid-19.
The past seven days bulletin result highlights are:
Bulletin #689: 562,613 confirmed cases, 956 new cases reported in the past 24 hours, 4,472 active cases. Three deaths are reported for the deadline, and none in the past 24 hours. The fatality rate per 1M is 413.94.
Bulletin #688: 561,657 confirmed cases, 1,620 new cases reported in the past 24 hours, 4,846 active cases. Three deaths are reported for the deadline, and none in the past 24 hours. The fatality rate per 1M is 413.65.
Bulletin #687: 560,037 confirmed cases, 1,101 new cases reported in the past 24 hours, 5,745 active cases. Four deaths are reported for the deadline, and none in the past 24 hours. The fatality rate per 1M is 413.36.
Bulletin #686: 558,936 confirmed cases, 1,017 new cases reported in the past 24 hours, 5,402 active cases. Two deaths are reported for the deadline, and none in the past 24 hours. The fatality rate per 1M is 412.98.
Bulletin #685: 557,919 confirmed cases, 1,399 new cases reported in the past 24 hours, 5,170 active cases. Three deaths are reported for the deadline, and none in the past 24 hours. The fatality rate per 1M is 412.79.
Bulletin #684: 556,420 confirmed cases, 1,275 new cases reported in the past 24 hours, 5,944 active cases. Three deaths are reported for the deadline, and none in the past 24 hours. The fatality rate per 1M is 412.50.
Bulletin #683: 555,245 confirmed cases, 1,193 new cases reported in the past 24 hours, 7,183 active cases. Two deaths are reported for the deadline, and none in the past 24 hours. The fatality rate per 1M is 412.21.
As per the 5 February deadline, there were less than 10 cases in 14 of the provinces, reflecting a clear decline in the spread of the virus. The provinces below 10 cases were: Azua and San Cristóbal (8), La Altagracia (7), Valverde (4), Elías Piña (3), Sánchez Ramírez (2), Baoruco and Monte Plata (1), and Barahona, El Seibo, Pedernales, Peravia, Samaná, Santiago Rodríguez, Hato Mayor and San José de Ocoa (0).
There were only more than 100 cases reported in Espaillat (267), the National District (183) and Santo Domingo province (178).
Other provinces registered: Santiago (46), Monseñor Nouel (43), San Juan de la Maguana (40), San Pedro de Macorís (24), La Vega and María Trinidad Sánchez (21), Dajabón (18), La Romana (17), Montecristi (14), Duarte (13) and Puerto Plata (12).
Greater Santo Domingo continues to lead in the number of reported PCR and antigen cases. As of 5 February 2022 at 6pm, the deadline for Bulletin #689, the most confirmed cases have been reported in the National District (147,208) and the Santo Domingo province (116,450) that represents Greater Santo Domingo, with the country’s highest urban density. The numbers account for 50% of the 562,613 PCR confirmed cases nationwide.
Other province case totals are: Santiago (59,320), Puerto Plata (18,683), La Vega (18,397), La Romana (17,720), Espaillat (17,380), La Altagracia (17,051), San Cristóbal (16,493), Duarte (12,948), Valverde (10,864), San Pedro de Macoris (9,317), San Juan de la Maguana (9,215), Maria Trinidad Sánchez (7,067), Barahona (6,572), Azua (6,242), Monseñor Nouel (6,087), Hermanas Mirabal (5,946), Sánchez Ramírez (5,657), Peravia (5,266), Dajabón (4,869), Santiago Rodriguez (4,282), Monte Plata (4,278), Montecristi (4,243), Baoruco (3,461), Hato Mayor (3,386), Independencia (2,484), San José de Ocoa (2,302), El Seibo (2,060), Samaná (1,935), Pedernales (1,477) and Elías Piña (1,169) as of the 5 February 2022 deadline.
Public schools reopened for in-person learning on 20 September 2021. Many private schools opened for in-person learning before 1 September 2021. Schools continue to be subject to health protocols. Universities reopened for classes in August 2021 but from day one have required students and teachers to have the full vaccination dose. On 8 November 2021, the Health Cabinet approved vaccinating school children ages 5 to 11 years old. Sinovac vaccines will be used in a first phase. Children 12+ have been vaccinated with Pfizer vaccines. The start date of this campaign is set for 7 February 2022. Positivity in public schools is 1.58% with only 844 cases registered as of mid-December.
The government seeks to vaccinate 7.8 million adults of the population of 10.8 million. The 7.8 million does not take into consideration those 12-18 years of age that of June 2021 are included in the vaccination campaign with the regular arrival of batches of Pfizer vaccines. The Ministry of Public Health has mandated three vaccines for all over 18 years of age by 21 February 2022. A fourth vaccine is mandated for those 60 years of age or more and with situations of vulnerability.
Regarding Covid-19 testing in the Dominican Republic, private labs have special facilities for those requiring results in time for travel abroad. Results of PCR tests can be had in 24 hours for those presenting a valid airline ticket at labs carried out the test in Santo Domingo, Santiago, Puerto Plata, La Romana and Punta Cana. Antigen tests results for travel can be had in three hours at select labs in the same locations. Nevertheless, travelers are recommended to make arrangements with extra time. PCR test results are usually given in 24 hours or less online. For the general population, antigen home kits are now sold in select pharmacies nationwide.
New outbreaks of the virus in Europe, Asia and Africa are affecting the flexibility of foreign travel to the Dominican Republic. The Ministry of Tourism is hopeful this winter season will set new records. Nevertheless, the start of the spread of the Omicrom variant around the world has not reduced inflows of winter seasonal travel. On the contrary, new records for travel, even compared to pre-pandemic months, are being set.
The United States is now requiring travelers two years and older present a negative test (PCR or antigen) taken within the 24 hours of the travel date. The US is requiring foreign arrivals present proof of having received two Covid-19 FDA-accepted vaccines for entry. Depending on the destination, airlines may not board unvaccinated passengers.
Country entry requirements are constantly changing and passengers should check before traveling. So far, Canada and Spain have been requiring all entering to show negative results of a PCR test carried out within 72 hours before the traveler’s scheduled departure to those countries. Yet, Spain has announced that travelers who have the two doses of the Sinovac or Pfizer vaccine at least two weeks before the travel date can enter without a PCR test. Both vaccines are now available in the Dominican Republic. Around 70% of those vaccinated in the Dominican Republic have received the Sinovac/Coronavac vaccine.
Travelers are now required to upload an e-ticket that contains vaccination information for travel to and from the Dominican Republic.
Open-air public spaces, such as parks and boulevards, can be used for activities other than social gatherings and always complying with preventive health protocols. Gyms, restaurants and bars are allowed to operate at 75% of their capacity. Theaters have resumed showings under health protocols.
Hotels and resorts have operated throughout the pandemic under previously established less restrictive health protocols. In July 2021, the Ministry of Tourism authorized again booking up to 100% of room capacity. Booster shots have been made available to all hotel personnel as an extra step to ensure the safety of guests and staff alike.
Free vaccines are available at more than 1,300 vaccination centers nationwide. The Pfizer vaccine is available at major vaccination sites. The Pfizer vaccine is readily available and is the booster shot used for those who have received the two Sinovac or AstraZeneca vaccines. It is also available for those who need the vaccine for travel purposes.
The Ministry of Public Health continues to mandate keeping to the preventive measures of mask-wearing, physical distancing in public spaces, hand hygiene and keeping to well-ventilated areas. In the cities, mask-wearing is the norm and is mandatory. As of recent weeks, mask usage has been relaxed in public areas. People are gathering in restaurants and bars without masks, and discos and theaters are again open. Shopping malls and major stores continue to require the use of the facial masks. Those attending sports and theater performances need to keep their masks on during the events.
Haiti is reported having 29,593 confirmed cases and 804 deaths, as per the 5 February 2022 global epidemiological deadline. Haiti progressed very slowly with its Covid-19 vaccination program. Early on, the Haitian government rejected a first Covax facility donation of AstraZeneca vaccines. A donation of Moderna vaccines was shipped to Haiti for the start of the vaccination program. As of 30 January 2022, 130,440 Haitians (1.12% of the population) had received at least a first dose of the Spikevax (Moderna) vaccine at the 149 open vaccination centers since the start of vaccination on 16 July 2021. Haiti rejected a donation of 100,000 AstraZeneca vaccines from the Dominican Republic. 93,809 Haitians are fully vaccinated (2 doses, 0.75% of the population) as of the 30 January 2022 update, of a population of more than 11.4 million people. Hundreds of thousands of Haitians that live and work in the Dominican Republic have been vaccinated here. Most employers in the Dominican Republic have required their employees be vaccinated.
The Dominican government has authorized the vaccinating of Haitians with IDs and domicile in the Dominican Republic, but there is much resistance even among those living in the DR to get vaccinated.
Overall, health experts attribute the general low number of deaths in Haiti 69 per 1M pop compared to 392 per 1M in the DR) as of 5 February 2022 in part is due to widespread vaccinating of babies with the tuberculosis vaccine and widespread use of ivermectin for parasites. Both actions are said to have raised the immunity of the Haitian population in general. In Haiti most people do not wear masks nor exercise physical distancing.
In the Americas, the Dominican Republic is ranked 17th in confirmed cases after the United States, Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, Mexico, Peru, Canada, Chile, Cuba, Bolivia, Ecuador, Panama, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Uruguay and Paraguay.
See the Ministry of Public Health epidemiological
Bulletins
VacunateRD
John Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Center
University of Washington Health Data
University of Oxford Covid Tracker
Worldometer
Our World in Data
7 February 2022