The Minister of Public Health is emphasizing social distancing and use of facial masks for the country to combat the spread of coronavirus during the hours allowed for essential circulation. The Dominican Republic is under a nationwide curfew from 5pm to 6am. While the Minister of Public Health had favored instating a total lockdown of at least a week, the coordinator of the High Commission for the Prevention of Coronavirus responded that the government does not contemplate taking this kind of action. Since 20 March, all but essential businesses have been ordered to remain closed.
Speaking at the press conference on 16 April 2020, Dr. Sánchez Cárdenas denied differences with the Presidency Minister Gustavo Montalvo, coordinator of the High Commission. He said: “What is important is to align the work of the government and national forces to slow down and contain the Covid-19. We can achieve this working together and following the guidelines carried out with the World Health Organization, and the government and with the cooperation of the citizenry.” He said any increase in circulation restrictions would be by zones, not throughout the entire nation.
The Public Health Minister has acknowledged that the country is not conducting nearly enough testing to track the path and penetration of the coronavirus. He has announced that testing capacity is improving, despite the crippling supply shortages. He said that tests continue to be applied only to those who meet specific criteria.
He promised that in a week’s time the government would present new graphics of the evolution of Covid-19 in the country and the actions that are planned to combat the disease in hot spots, including the city of Santiago. “I ensure you that the government is concentrated on giving an effective answer to Covid-19,” he said. He has been announcing increases in supplies of rapid response tests, PCR tests and capacity to process these, forecasting at least a fourfold increase in testing by next week.
Dr. Sánchez Cárdenas said that banks, supermarkets and other places open to the public need to habilitate special lines for seniors, or persons over 60 years of age. The health authorities understand that persons of 60+ are high-risk group of infection by the disease.
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Press Conference Dr. Sánchez Cárdenas
17 April 2020