The Government of Dominica has outlined the Standing Orders which will govern activities on February 15 and 16. These dates would have been Carnival Monday and Tuesday, however the Government took a decision last year to cancel Carnival celebrations in light of the potential risk of transmission of the dreaded COVID-19.
On Friday, the Government held a press briefing to inform the public of the new regulations termed ‘Environmental Health Services COVID-19 Carnival Holiday Regulations 2021.
According to the Minister of National Security Hon. Rayburn Blackmore, while carnival is a tradition that many generations have embraced and one that defines us as a people, we cannot forget that we are in a fight against the most dreaded pandemic the world has ever seen. As a result of the protocols established to fight this disease and protect citizens, we must realize that large gatherings associated with carnival activities have the potential to become super spreader events.
The Minister said that his Government believes in the fundamental rights of Dominicans and so do not see the need for any curfew measures at this time.
The regulations state among other things that no one shall host or attend large gatherings (camps included) of ten or more persons on the days in question. This is excludes members of the same household, shopping for groceries, dining at a restaurant or an activity approved by the police. Anyone found in contravention of the regulations is committing an offence.
Link to the SRO below:
Environmenal Health Services (COVID-19) (Carnival Holiday) Regulations. (SRO No. 1 of 2021)
