While thousands of worshippers went to church yesterday, Wednesday 21 January 2015 to pay their homage of the image of the Virgin of La Altagracia, the protector of the Dominican Republic, others preferred to stay home and enjoy recreational activities. In the middle of the week, with the streets and avenues of Greater Santo Domingo almost empty, reporters say that city residents enjoyed themselves.
Some of the faithful observed the day dedicated to “the mother protector of the Dominican people” at the Sanctuary of Our Lady of La Altagracia in the Colonial City. Outdoor seating had to be provided to enable the large number of people who attended to hear the mass from outside, as reported in El Caribe.
Meanwhile, Emergency Operations Center (COE) director Brigadier General Juan Manuel Mendez Garcia reported three traffic accidents during Operation Virgin de La Altagracia 2015 patrols. Six people were injured. From 2pm on Tuesday, 20 January until 6pm on Wednesday, the COE operation provided 366 people with medical assistance, where 86 people received treatment for high blood pressure, 101 for heatstroke and 37 were treated for digestive system problems.
The public service center installed at the Higuey Basilica took care of eight lost children and delivered them safely back to their parents.
Mendez Garcia said that the Ministry of Public Works military and police commission assisted 591 vehicles on the highways to the East, with services ranging from changing tires, fuel, towing and mechanical support.