In what seems to be a birth with forceps, the Dominican Republic has reopened to tourism. At times when the Ministry of Public Health declares the Dominican Republic officially under an epidemic, subsector protocols have been issued to enable tourism activities and at the same time reduce the risk of the spread of Covid-19.
This is what is in effect as of 1 July 2020:
There will be temperature checking at the airport. Nevertheless, there are no restrictions for arriving passengers. That is, no PCR or testing certificates are required. There will be no quarantine for arriving passengers, with the exception of those that test positive for fever upon arrival.
The curfew is lifted. Mobility is authorized at all times.
Restaurants are authorized to serve patrons until 10pm, afterwards by takeout or delivery. They are under new protocols.
Discos, casinos, cockfighting, movie houses and theaters are still closed.
Gyms are authorized to open. They are under new protocols.
Sports and artistic events and events with large people gathering are banned. Churches are allowed to operate following protocols.
Outdoor excursions are allowed, under new protocols.
Sailing, golf and tennis are authorized. Practicing for other sports will be authorized as of 8 July. All these fall under new protocols of the Ministry of Sports.
The Dominican Institute of Civil Aviation published the Covid-19 Protocol. This can be downloaded at the IDAC website.
Reports are that the delays in the publishing of the aviation and tourism industry government authorization have led to bookings cancellations and rescheduling of flights.
Indecision in the Medina government prevailed even after President Danilo Medina had announced in a 26 June speech the tourism industry would be reopening on 1 July. The President had said the official resolution would be issued “in hours.” Nevertheless, it was not until 30 June when this was officially issued.
Public Health Minister Rafael Sánchez Cárdenas acknowledged that the first travelers to come will be insiders. He said that mostly arriving will be Dominicans. As reported, the few flights that are booked will be arriving full within the new restricted seat capacity.
For more details on the reopening, see dr1.com
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