There’s a lot happening on the rebuilding front to get the destination back up and running, So check into the FAQs from time to time because this is where we will update you on things that you need to know but not sufficiently big enough to warrant their own page.
What is the Corona Virus?
Coronaviruses (CoV) are a large family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV).
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is a new strain that was discovered in 2019 and has not been previously identified in humans.
Coronaviruses are zoonotic, meaning they are transmitted between animals and people. Detailed investigations found that SARS-CoV was transmitted from civet cats to humans and MERS-CoV from dromedary camels to humans. Several known coronaviruses are circulating in animals that have not yet infected humans.
Common signs of infection include respiratory symptoms, fever, cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties. In more severe cases, infection can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and even death.
Standard recommendations to prevent infection spread include regular hand washing, covering mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing, thoroughly cooking meat and eggs. Avoid close contact with anyone showing symptoms of respiratory illness such as coughing and sneezing.
Are there any cases of the Corona Virus in Dominica
Dominica recorded 2 more cases of COVID-19 on April 3, 2020, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 14.
Is Dominica open to visitors?
Ecotourism sites: All (12) ecotourism sites managed by the Government of Dominica through the Division of Forestry or Ministry of Tourism are closed until further notice. This is specifically to curtail the spread of the virus at the tourism facilities where hikers may use the washroom and interpretation facilities.
Hotels: Properties are closed or in the process of temporary closures as guests have all departed. Please contact the property directly to get the latest update.
Essential services: Banks, supermarkets, gas stations, pharmacies and medical facilities are open for limited hours on weekdays.
Religious places of worship are closed except for weddings and funerals, which must be conducted utilizing stipulated guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health.
State of Emergency & Curfew: Effective April 1, 2020, the President of Dominica, His Excellency Charles Savarin issued Statutory Rules and Order No. 15 of 2020 which places the island in a State of Emergency as a result of COVID 19. As such, curfew hours are in effect as follows:
From 6 pm to 6 am from April 1, 2020 to April 20, 20, Mondays to Fridays.
From 6 pm on Fridays to 6 am on Mondays between April 1, 2020 to April 20, 2020.
From 6 pm on April 9, 2020 to 6 am on April 14, 2020.
Banks, credit unions, grocery stores, supermarkets, village shops, bakeries and petrol stations may remain open from 8 am to 2 pm Monday to Friday, while pharmacies may open between 6 am and 4 pm Monday to Friday.
Movement of persons beyond the curfew hours shall only be permitted for work and providers of essential services (as outlined in SRO 15 of 2020), to seek urgent medical care, shop for groceries, conduct banking transactions, to care for a family member, pet or livestock or to engage in construction or manufacturing.
Religious places of worship are closed except for weddings and funerals, which must be conducted utilizing stipulated guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health.
All liquor licenses are suspended from April 1, 2020 to April 14, 2020.
Which Ports of Entry are open?
All ports of entry are closed to passenger traffic until further notice. As such, no airlines or ferries are operating into Dominica with passengers. In Keeping with S.R.O. 13 of 2020, only air and sea cargo are allowed with exceptions for Aircraft, Ships or Other vessels carrying the following passengers; (a) Citizens of Dominica ; (b) resident diplomats; (c) medical personnel; (d) any other person authorized in writing by the Minister with responsibility for National Security.
Yachts: Entry into the country and mooring offshore is not permitted at this time.
Which airlines are currently travelling to Dominica?
The Commonwealth of Dominica has suspended all commercial air and sea access to all non-Dominicans effective Thursday the 26th day of March 2020 and to all travelers, including Dominican citizens and residents Saturday, the 28th of March 2020. This order relates to all commercial aircraft as well as non-essential, service-oriented, pleasure craft. “The same order of March 28th applies to ships, boats and yachts not visiting Dominica for the express purpose of bringing in vitally-needed cargo and other supplies to Dominica.
All air and sea arrivals must, henceforth, be granted permission to enter by the office of the Chief Medical Officer.”
Can I travel to Dominica via ferry services?
Following the speech of the President of the French Republic Emmanuel MACRON on March 17th, 2020, and his decision to close the borders at the entrance of the European Union and the Schengen area.
All travel between non-European countries and the European Union will be suspended for 30 days.
L’Express des Iles informs all these passengers of the stop of its international line and the cancellation of all the trips between Guadeloupe, Dominica, Martinique and Saint Lucia as of tomorrow Tuesday, March 17 and until further notice.
Consequently, L’Express des Iles will operate from March 20 – 22 in an effort to repatriate the foreigners in Dominica to their respective ports or transit port, and Dominicans in the various Express des Iles Ports back to Dominica.
No other approvals have been received to accept travelers other than those repatriating on those dates.
VAL Ferry has also cancelled ferry services until further notice.
Which Airlines are currently traveling to Dominica?
As at March 26th, all airlines will cease servicing Dominica until further notice.
Are the hotels open?
Most hotels are presently open with protocols in place. Please check the accommodation link for updates and check with hotels directly as the situation may change.
What happens when I arrive in Dominica?
Every passenger entering Dominica will be automatically quarantined for fourteen days. They will be moved to a quarantine area where further testing is done.
What is the testing Protocol for Visitors?
Persons who show symptoms at the screening are transferred to the quarantine unit for further testing. Dominica is the only island in the OECS conducting its own testing.
Are Dominica 2020 Events still on?
The Ministry of Tourism International Transport and Maritime Initiatives, through the Discover Dominica Authority (DDA) has taken a decision to postpone Dominica’s Jazz ‘n Creole, which was carded for May 3, 2020 at Fort Shirley within the Cabrits National Park. www.dominicafestivals.com. Updates on other national events will be provided in the future.
Where can i go with Urgent Questions related to COVID-19
The Authority on Covid – 19 questions is the Ministry for Health, Wellness and New Health Investment. The Hotline is 1 767 448 2151, 448 2156, 448 2153 or Toll Free 1 800 219 or 611 4325.