At a press briefing on Saturday 9 May, the Minister of Health, Dr.Irving McIntyre announced that the Government has taken a decision to open the ports to allow Dominicans who are crew members as well as students studying overseas to return home. Every person returning must undergo mandatory quarantine of 14 days.
Further, as of Tuesday 12, Law and Accounting offices will be allowed to reopen. There will be further communication as it relates to barbershops, hair and nail salons, spa and gyms in the coming weeks.
Finally, the Emergency Power Order will be extended for two more weeks. It will be amended to allow for Complete Nighttime Lockdown from 7pm to 5 am on Monday to Friday and Weekend Lockdown from 7 pm on Saturday to 5 am on Monday.
Dr. McIntyre said that on May 18, Dominica would have completed 3 incubation cycles and if there is no evidence of community transmission, further allowances will be made.
The Minister said, ” Complete reopening of churches and schools can only be done if there is firm evidence of the absence of community transmission. This will be done through surveillance activities and serological studies carried out in the community”. The Ministry of Health is scheduled to begin community studies on Monday 11 May.
Dr. McIntyre reminded the public that while it has been over a month since Dominica reported its last positive COVID-19 case, this does not rule out the possibility of undetected community transmission. Therefore, we must all remain vigilant.
