Roseau, Dominica – (May 13, 2020) Dominica has completed two COVID 19 incubation cycles of 2 weeks each without any new confirmed cases. This announcement was made by Minister for Health, Wellness and New Health Investment, Dr. Irving McIntyre in a statement to the nation on May 9, 2020. Dr. McIntyre noted that the government had “adopted a cautious and planned reopening of the local economy and other sectors in a phased manner.” Effective May 12, 2020, lawyers offices and accounting firms are allowed to reopen to the public providing that the public health and safety protocols set by the Ministry of Health are adhered to. This includes mandatory wearing of face masks for persons entering the business place, hand sanitization upon entry and practicing physical distancing. Additional recommendations will be made for the reopening of other businesses on May 18, 2020 as specific guidelines and protocols are currently being developed for this. The Minister also noted that schools and churches will only be reopened if there is “firm evidence of the absence of community spread.” The Ministry of Health’s COVID 19 surveillance and serological study in communities commenced on May 11 and will provide data to guide further recommendations for reopening of other sectors of the economy.
Dominican nationals who work as crew members on the cruise lines as well as students will be allowed to return to Dominica in a phased manner, however, they must undergo mandatory 14-day quarantine at the government run facility in Portsmouth. The Emergency Powers Order regarding curfew will be extended for an additional two weeks from May 12, 2020. This will include curfew from 7 pm to 5 am Mondays to Fridays, and complete lockdown from 6 pm on Saturdays to 5 am on Mondays.
Dr. McIntyre expressed gratitude to Tranquility Beach Resort Curio a Hilton Collection for its donation of CPAP machines to his Ministry and gift baskets to frontline workers; and Rubis for its contribution of masks to frontline workers.
For COVID related information on Dominica please visit our Dominica Update site at http://dominicaupdate.com/.
For more information on Dominica, contact Discover Dominica Authority at 767 448 2045. Or, visit Dominica’s official website: www.DiscoverDominica.com, follow Dominica on Twitter and Facebook and take a look at our videos on YouTube.
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About Dominica: Dominica (pronounced Dom-in-EEK-a, and not to be confused with the Dominican Republic) is a haven for adventure travelers seeking a unique vacation that includes: hiking and adventure, cultural events/festivals, diving and water sports, whale/dolphin watching and canyoning adventures. Dominica lies south of Guadeloupe and north of Martinique in the Eastern Caribbean. Air travelers can connect to Dominica on Air Antilles, Air Sunshine, Coastal Air Transport, interCaribbean Airways, LIAT, Seaborne Airlines, or WINAIR from the surrounding hubs of Antigua, Barbados, Guadeloupe, Puerto Rico, St. Maarten, St Lucia, the British Virgin Islands and the U.S. Virgin Islands. If travelling by sea, travelers can connect to Dominica on L’Express Des Iles ferry service from Guadeloupe, Martinique, and St. Lucia and on Valferry from Guadeloupe and Martinique.
