Last week, the government convened the press three times to explain Decree 698-20 with its new measures to contain Covid-19, and the military and Police worked hard to restrain people partying on the streets for the holidays. Meanwhile, social media was abuzz with videos and comments on a 500-guest Friday, 18 December 2020 wedding at the Santo Domingo Country Club. The wedding included live entertainment with Nicky Jam that otherwise is banned in the Dominican Republic.
The Ministry of Public Health ordered the shutdown of the Santo Domingo Country Club. The Country Club was prompt to say the event complied with the health protocol rules. No new drinks were served after 6pm and the wedding ended at 7pm. The ball room, that can host 1,200, was limited to 500 persons.
The videos showed social distancing was not a concern. Videos showed people dancing away as would occur in any wedding in pre-Covid days. Social media comments pointed out that the groom is a nephew of the present Customs Agency director Eduardo Sanz Lovatón. The wedding even got a Diario Libre editorial by executive editor Ines Aizpún.
Minister of Interior & Police said that weddings are not banned when the event does not occupy more than 70% of the chosen location, physical distancing is adhered to and there are no more than 10 persons per table.
In a tweet, Public Health Minister said the shutdown of the Country Club was ordered because the health protocols were violated.
Read more in Spanish:
El Caribe
Acento
N Digital
20 December 2020