Roseau, Dominica- September 10, 2021: Further to the decisions by Cabinet for elected business establishments to reopen effective September 8, 2021, the public is reminded that businesses are only allowed to reopen in keeping with strict health protocols and the applicable provisions of the following Statutory Rules and Orders:
Environmental Health Services (COVID-19) Regulations S.R. O 26 of 2021
Environmental Health Services (COVID-19) Amendment Regulations S.R.O 29 of 2021
Environmental Health Services (COVID-19) Amendment (No. 2) S.R.O 30 of 2021
Opening hours for all businesses are from 6:00 am to 9:00pm Monday to Saturday, and 6:00am to 6:00pm on Sundays, except for petrol stations which are allowed to open daily from 6:00am to 9:00pm.
The wearing of masks is mandatory in all public places including a public building, business establishment, public transportation, or shared office space. The fine for noncompliance is $500.00. A business or establishment must require anyone accessing the business to wear a mask.
All businesses or establishments are subject to the physical distancing requirements and must ensure that all customers and staff maintain physical distancing of no less than six feet in or outside their business, determine the number of persons that may be permitted inside by permitting one person per thirty square feet of store space, and place distance markers six feet apart at checkout points and outside the business.
The Ministry of Health, Wellness & New Health Investments has established and published protocols for selected businesses to include:
*Protocols for gyms
*Protocols for restaurants
*Protocols for gaming establishments
*Protocols for barbershops and hair salons
*Protocols for spas/ manicure and pedicure
These protocols have been published in the media and on all government platforms and will be made available to these establishments. Restrictions on social activity remain in place and private parties which include any person from outside of the immediate household of the house occupant, recreational or competitive sporting events, any social events or meeting of a fraternal society, private or social club or civic association are prohibited.
The Commonwealth of Dominica Police Force and the Environmental Health Department will conduct routine assessment and monitoring to ensure that these protocols are strictly enforced to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
The protocols are subject to change based on further assessment of COVID-19 transmission in Dominica and as more information becomes available. All establishments are required to strictly adhere to the protocols. The public is encouraged to practice all safety measures to reduce the risk of infection and to get tested and vaccinated to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
