Deputy Chief of Police, Davidson Valerie confirmed that legislation has been enacted to govern large gatherings and wearing of masks. The regulation is known as the Environmental Health Services COVID-19 Amendment Regulations 2020.
Valerie reiterated that according to said regulation there shall be no gathering of 200 or more persons with the exception of religious centers and schools. He said that a police officer has the authority to disperse any large gathering and persons who are non compliant are committing an offence. Written permission must be obtained from the chief of police for any event of over 50 persons.
Further, according to Valerie, masks must be worn on public transportation, in public buildings at a bar or market or other similar places, as well as other public spaces to include parks, river banks and beaches.
Valerie said that so far 30 applications for large gatherings have been approved and 5 have been successfully held. One match of the Dominica Football Association (DFA) had to be discontinued for various breaches of COVID-19 protocols.
Valerie encouraged the public to treat the pandemic seriously and observe COVID-19 protocols.
