COVID-19

Just a matter of time

I have two UK residents w/ me now--- daughter & novio
Doubtful about their return -- POP-NYC-LHR - Tuesday

My wife ran for it Y'day

Puerto Rico is shuttering non essential businesses and imposing a night time curfew and it has only just had it's first cases.

Extreme.

I can see flights to USA being closed soon. 

And I believe there are many more cases here either not reported.or being covered up.  Let's see what happens after this election.

I can see schools.closing and limiting groups, working from home etc happening soon.  They could not do that before today's election.  Community reaction would have been extreme.

Hi,

I do not Know if this FB link will be ok, but it is about special 'ferry' flights that will be allowed to Come and fetch Europeans left stranded in the DR.

Maybe somebody could translate it in English.
https://m.facebook.com/ExpatPoP/photos/ … ;source=48

Everyone should get in touch with his/her travel agent, tour operator or Airline.

Thanks but impossible to translate

Ducketts

Looked on Facebook and cannot find anything

Thanks

Ducketts

Dominican Republic to suspend flights from Europe on Monday due to coronavirus
2 MIN READ

SANTO DOMINGO (Reuters) - The Dominican Republic will from Monday morning suspend all flights from Europe and the arrival of all cruise ships for a month in order to prevent the spread of coronavirus, the government said late on Saturday.

The measure is likely to deal a heavy blow to tourism, which generates around 23% of foreign currency revenues and accounts for 11% of gross domestic product.

The travel suspension will come into effect at 6 a.m. local time (1000 GMT) on March 16, the minister for the presidency, Gustavo Montalvo, told a news conference.

Victor Gomez, director of the ports authority, said the final two cruise ships left the eastern port of La Romana on Sunday morning.

Around one in four of the nearly 6 million tourists who visit the Caribbean country each year come from Europe, notably Germany, Spain, France and Italy, official data show.

So far 11 cases of coronavirus have been detected in the Dominican Republic, including travelers from Canada, Italy, France and Venezuela, and Dominicans who were abroad.

The government said people who had visited Europe, China, South Korea and Iran during the past two weeks will be isolated in quarantine upon arrival in the Dominican Republic.

The authorities also banned foreign travel by government officials, and ordered military doctors to take charge of epidemiological surveillance in ports and airports.

The ban comes as Dominican voters return to the polls on Sunday for the second time in less than a month for municipal elections, after a failure in voting equipment forced their suspension in February, generating a wave of protests.

Reporting by Ezequiel Abiu Lopez; Editing by Lisa Shumaker

Our Standards:The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Onetimelife,

Yes we already Know that.

Empty planes will be allowed to evacuate Europeans. At least those having a return ticket.

I phoned TUIFLY Belgium, they are preparing that they said.

Ten new cases reported by Ministry just now.

That woman who returned from Italy and was allowed home to self isolate in Villa Riva, Duarte province has passed the virus on to one confirmed other and others under observation.

They are saying 21 cases in total and just the one above by community transmission - but it could have been close contact with that woman who was reportedly drinking with friends after she got diagnosed just like the Italian in Bayahibe and the 29 year old local woman.

First death too...Dominican woman returning from Spain. But she had HIV and tuberculosis too!

We won't be bringing it to you from the states. We canceled our trip. We were to get there tomorrow. 😢 We are not sure if we get a no penalty cancelation yet or not. Hope to reschedule for April. American Airlines site won't even come up right now. It is crazy. I just sent Robert to the liquor store as bars here in Indiana are now carry out food only. No patrons inside.

****

Stay safe out there. ❤️

And we will keep anything political off this forum.  I am having part of the last comment removed

So many countries are closing their borders to foreigners entering and with DR finding that the covid 19 cases are primarily imported, they should do the same for a period imo. That would be best in the longer term for the country even if tourism is an economic mainstay. Fact is that countries everywhere are becoming isolationist to combat the virus and DR should do likewise. Economically we all are going to get hit and no amount of monetary action will help against the virus. Social help of course can help people along with healthcare in defeating this curse.

Punta Cana airport has just announced it is closing operations to Terminal B as of Wednesday which tells one that flight arrivals have dried up.

Correct

Ducketts

planner wrote:

I can see flights to USA being closed soon. 

And I believe there are many more cases here either not reported.or being covered up.  Let's see what happens after this election.

I can see schools.closing and limiting groups, working from home etc happening soon.  They could not do that before today's election.  Community reaction would have been extreme.

I agree, this is likely way out of hand here already, just not enough testing to show the true picture.. as in most of the world.

Hold on tight folks this could be a wild ride! Fingers crossed the sun helps to sterilise outdoor spaces, but I'm sure there's already community spread here.

I am going to remain patient, yet vigilant and wait and see if the official count of 21, with a number of people under surveillance and test results awaited, with most cases having been imported, is going to change that much. And if there is more community spread than a rather foolish woman returning from Italy who was unable to self quarantine.

There have been regular Ministry of Health updates with details and whilst we all accept that the level of testing is low (not unlike other countries), we should also know that Dominicans with even the slightest 'gripe' go to the 'medico'.

I ask my wife if she knows of any potential covid 19 cases not reported through her extended family and friends network and the answer is no. And yet again I ask where are the community transmission cases relating to the foreigners who tested positive at the beginning of the month having arrived in DR between 19 and 22 February at La Romana and stayed in a Bayahibe hotel? Incubation periods have long passed there.

There is a lot of speculating happening on social media amongst expats who perhaps might need to worry more if there are perhaps genetic factors involved in the spread as well as age and state of health. But again temperature and humidity might be factors as suggested in scientific reports for our benefit.

We just don't know enough and we are trying to compare the situation here with the colder north of Italy and other parts of Europe like Madrid which is cold at this time of year.

Let's wait and see what other steps the President will announce tomorrow after meeting with his Ministry officials today.

It must be tough for expats living on the North Coast in a vacuum with other expats promoting the very worst scenarios. Dominicans are worried and know the symptoms - but where are the suggested infected masses at medical centre doors?

We can speculate till we run out of rum.  It will play out.

Canada has announced upcoming suspension of flights.  Decide.if you are going home or staying.  Americans I think will be the same soon.

I am not sure how.many tests are available. There has been no release.of that info.  Who knows how many have symptoms and how many won't go to doctor for fear of being quarantined.

Let's see what this govt does.

I am currently getting all my documents together to apply for my residency and had planned on applying at the Dominican Consulate in April. I was hoping to travel in June, but given the current situation I think a will start to slow down the process. I know some of the documents are time sensitive and hope that doesn't become an issue.

Well here's one for you....

I went to RSJ this AM....

Roadblock (AMET- I think)....
asking about my health..... was I feeling fine ??

How's that !!!!???

Here's something to chew about ability to cope with this thing

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_c … pital_beds

Sorry where is RSJ for us tourists?

I read today on dominicantoday.com that in addition to DR closing flights from Europe to DR some North American cities as well but they did not list which cities. Does anyone have a link to which cities DR is not accepting flights from? Here is the link I am referencing.
[link under review]

ducketts
Rio San Juan........north coast ner Playa Grande

Thank you

Yes been there, very nice.  Was it a large blockade or just a couple of policemen?  Did they perform any tests?

Thanks

Ducketts

No official announcement about other American cities.

President has a press conference at 8 tonight.

Ok good to know.

ducketts wrote:

Thank you

Yes been there, very nice.  Was it a large blockade or just a couple of policemen?  Did they perform any tests?

Thanks

Ducketts

just 2 policemen - no tests......

very Dominican

Without being political 😉 it does seem as if the countries are learning from each other and refining their responses. The steps you are reporting starting to be taken over there are mirroring many over here.

Our flight would have landed by now and we would have been at Bolly's eating quipe and yucca balls.

I hope you all stay well.

This interactive Bing world map tracking the virus is useful to follow:

https://www.bing.com/covid

Something in today's local news about a study suggesting those with type A blood are the most likely at risk than those with type O.

https://hoy.com.do/coronavirus-dime-tu- … tu-riesgo/

Concerning the coronavirus pandemic, a group of specialists carried out an investigation in China that indicated that people who have type  " A "  blood are the most likely to suffer from  Covid-19 .

On their side, people who have “O ” blood have a lower chance of acquiring coronaviruses, according to this analysis, carried out during the outbreak of this disease in Asia.

The blood of at least two thousand patients carrying this virus in Wuhan and Shenzhen was compared with that of healthy people, which culminated in this preliminary result.

For this reason, those responsible for this investigation called on the governments of the world facing  Covid-19  to carry out  special protection   for people with  type " A " blood   to prevent them from being affected by this disease.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blood_typ … by_country

Interesting that DR has a lower percentage of people with type A blood.

Interesting for sure!

Web translation form Listin Diario just now

Government suspends economic activities for 15 days


Danilo Medina, President of the Dominican Republic, announced tonight a series of measures to face the impact of the coronavirus in the Dominican Republic.

The Government announced that its employees over the age of 60 should remain at home. He also said that the other employees will be rotated in groups of 50% of the total staff.

Here is a summary of the measures taken:

"First of all, I will be sending the request for a national emergency declaration to Congress tomorrow and we trust its prompt approval.

We have also decided to close the country's borders by land, sea and air, for the next 15 days.

This measure and the next ones that I will announce will take effect at 6 in the morning on Thursday 19.



From that moment, only the entry of ferry planes will be allowed for the departure of foreign citizens who want to return to their countries and the arrival of planes, cargo ships and fuels to guarantee supplies to the population.

Likewise, teaching is suspended in all school and university centers until next Monday, April 13.

Events and concentrations of all kinds are suspended for 15 days.

This includes national and international events, public shows, cultural, artistic, and sporting events, as well as activity in bars and clubs, among others.

In the case of restaurants, only the collection and home delivery of food will be allowed.

Flea markets throughout the national territory and binational markets in the border area are also suspended.

Electoral proselytizing acts related to the holding of marches, rallies and caravans are suspended, as previously reported to the presidential candidates.

Of course, these measures include all government inaugurations, which have already been canceled and any other act planned by public authorities.

Commercial activities are suspended for the next 15 days, with the exception of those dedicated to basic activities for the population: supermarkets, grocery stores, fuel stations, pharmacies, and commercial establishments dedicated to the sale of raw or cooked food, between others".

Not sure about banks?????

I just saw that  I knew it was coming but thought I would make it before my flight This week.

President made his an announcement;

Boarders closing and flights cancelled.for 15 days as of Thursday 6 am.

Most businesses shut down.  No bars, no theater or cinema.  Restaurants for delivery only.

All who can work from home are to do so. Essential services continue.

15 centers for virus cases and suspected cases.  If you think you are infected and need assistance can 911 do not go to the hospital or clinic.

Govt wi be operating with limited capacity! 

Public transportation will slow right down! 

All group events are cancelled!

They have made some allowances for businesses in terms of taxation and filing deadlines etc.

I am surprised but pleased with this!

Banks are on reduced staff and services.  Atm operate and drive throughs operating

A very accurate translation from Google.  Long, but good translation of the Presidents speech.

"President Danilo Medina's speech following the Coronavirus pandemic
March 17, 2020

Dominican people,

The reason for this message is to personally communicate the current situation of the development of the coronavirus.

As of today, 159 countries and regions are affected by the virus worldwide. This means that we are facing an unprecedented global health crisis, to which humanity must respond with responsibility and unity, putting above all the protection of people's health and life.

According to the evolution of the situation day by day, the Dominican Government has been taking steps in stages, following the recommendations of the international health authorities.

For this reason, the doctors of the Armed Forces and the National Police have been guaranteeing the application of the health protocol in all access points to the country.

In addition, with the promulgation of Decree 87-20, on February 26, we declared emergency purchases and contracts essential for the response to the virus.

This has allowed us to carry out a series of preventive actions, including the purchase of medicines and supplies to detect the virus, as well as the empowerment of 2 hospital centers dedicated solely to receiving positive or suspected patients, and isolation areas in 15 treatment centers. health in different parts of the national territory.

In addition, last Wednesday I appointed a High-Level Commission, chaired by the Minister of the Presidency, to coordinate the actions of all the government institutions and permanently monitor their implementation.

For its part, the Ministry of Health formed a Technical Commission that is made up of all of society, both the public and private sectors, to coordinate the country's efforts on this issue.

At the same time, we are working with the rest of the countries that make up the Central American Integration System (SICA), for the joint purchase of medicines and other financial aid measures.

As you know, on Monday we made the decision to suspend for a month flights from European countries, China, Korea and Iran, as well as flights from the Dominican Republic to those countries.

We have also suspended the arrival of all cruises, in all ports and coasts of the Dominican Republic.

Likewise, an exception period of 15 days in home isolation was established for all persons who have been in the last two weeks in any of the places for which the suspension of flights has been established. This includes Dominican students who were out of the country.

It is very important that all these people in quarantine take the necessary precautions to guarantee that, if any of them is a carrier of the coronavirus, it will not have an opportunity to spread.

Additionally, we have started a massive information campaign for the population, by means of a non-face-to-face way, in order to safeguard the necessary social distancing.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

As you can see, the authorities are acting with responsibility and diligence, carrying out all the measures established by the WHO protocols to protect our population.

However, we cannot ignore that we are facing a global health emergency and that to face it, we must work together and continue to take additional and exceptional measures, because at this moment there is no higher priority than protecting the health and life of Dominicans and Dominicans.

In this sense and in response to the global context we live in, I announce the following additional measures:

First, I will be sending the request for a national emergency declaration to Congress tomorrow and we trust its prompt approval.

We have also decided to close the country's borders by land, sea and air, for the next 15 days.

This measure and the next ones that I will announce will take effect at 6 in the morning on Thursday 19.

From that moment, only the entry of ferry planes will be allowed for the departure of foreign citizens who want to return to their countries and the arrival of planes, cargo ships and fuels to guarantee supplies to the population.

Likewise, teaching is suspended in all school and university centers until next Monday, April 13.

However, to continue guaranteeing the feeding of public school students, the School Feeding Program will remain in force. INABIE, in coordination with the Ministry of Education, will establish a mechanism so that the families of the students can withdraw from the educational centers the food rations that correspond to them according to the number of students enrolled.

Likewise, the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Higher Education will inform about the measures that will be taken to guarantee that students can continue their training cycle, corresponding to the 2019-2020 school year, through virtual teaching and other initiatives.

In the same way, following WHO protocols and practices in place in different countries, events and concentrations of all kinds are suspended for 15 days.

This includes national and international events, public shows, cultural, artistic, and sporting events, as well as activity in bars and clubs, among others.

In the case of restaurants, only the collection and home delivery of food will be allowed.

Flea markets throughout the national territory and binational markets in the border area are also suspended.

Electoral proselytizing acts that have to do with marches, rallies and caravans are suspended, as previously reported to the presidential candidates.

Of course, these measures include all government inaugurations, which have already been canceled and any other act planned by public authorities.

Commercial activities are suspended for the next 15 days, with the exception of those dedicated to basic activities for the population: supermarkets, grocery stores, fuel stations, pharmacies, and commercial establishments dedicated to the sale of raw or cooked food, between others.

Public and private medical service centers and medical laboratories are also authorized to operate normally.

Any other type of company or business whose activity is considered vital in the current circumstances can contact the Presidential High Level Commission and we will seek the appropriate solution.

The Presidential High Level Commission will be announcing in the coming days other additional measures to be effective in this exceptional 15-day period that we have declared.

The National Police, the Ministry of Health and other competent authorities have precise instructions to ensure compliance with these measures, which are undoubtedly extraordinary, but necessary at the time we live.

Throughout the Public Administration, employees who are over 60 years of age and have any special health condition such as diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular or respiratory diseases, must remain at home for the duration of the crisis.

The rest of the employees will be alternated at 50% per week, except for the incumbents and those that are essential, unless someone with symptoms of the coronavirus is detected.

We also request that all productive sectors, whenever possible, implement remote work for at least 15 days.

In cases where this is not possible, the flexibility of working hours will be implemented and it is recommended that they limit the attendance of their employees to the minimum necessary, contemplating taking shifts that allow avoiding the influx of many people.

Dominicans and Dominicans,

As I said earlier, in this context it is crucial to have the support of the entire society, acting with responsibility and solidarity, to minimize the risks of contagion.

We know that the virus is potentially more dangerous mainly for people over 60 years of age or with previous health conditions such as diabetes, HIV-AIDS, hypertension and respiratory or cardiac difficulties.

For this reason, we recommend that all of these people stay in their homes.

But, in addition, it is crucial that all citizens follow the instructions and precautions to prevent the virus from spreading further and reaching the most vulnerable through us.

We urge the population as a whole to avoid any displacement that is not necessary and to, at all times, follow the recommendations for social distancing and hygiene that are being disseminated by the health authorities.

At the same time, we are reinforcing measures to guarantee the early detection location of any case, as well as full coverage and care for the sick. In this sense, I also announce the following measures, which reinforce those already taken in the health area:

1.- From now on, those private laboratories that are duly certified will be able to carry out the test to detect the coronavirus, under the strict monitoring of the Ministry of Health, following the established protocols and promptly reporting the cases detected to the health authorities.

2.- More isolation centers necessary for the defense of the Public Health of the Dominican People are being enabled and we warn the population that we will not allow the alteration of public order to fulfill this mission of the State.

3. In relation to hospitals and clinics, visits and circulation of people are limited.

4. It is also recalled that the notification of cases is mandatory for professionals, clinics and hospitals, as established by the regulations of the Ministry of Public Health.

5. Private health service centers, if they so desire, are authorized in coordination with the Ministry of Health, to enable isolation areas in their facilities.

6. The Superintendency of Health and Occupational Risks and the Ministry of Labor, together with all the ARSs, agreed to support all the initiatives of the High Level Commission for the prevention of Coronavirus in the country.

Likewise, all the ARS undertake to add to their catalog of medical services, the test and care necessary to combat Coronavirus.

7. We have authorized the Ministry of Finance to take all measures to assist the pharmaceutical industry in order to support the production and import of drugs and supplies against the effects of the virus, in a way that guarantees supply to the population at reasonable prices.

Dominican people,

We are aware that these measures will have consequences for economic activity, but at the moment we cannot hesitate to take them, because what is above all else is protecting health and life.

However, in order to guarantee the employment and income of all workers, food security and economic stability in the event of any eventuality, the government has taken the following measures:

1.- For the sector that will be most affected by the closure of flights, the hotel sector, the DGII will temporarily stop applying the rate to the Advance Price Agreements (APA).

2.- Likewise, the payment of the annual income tax to be made in April by all companies that close the year in December will be allowed to be divided into four payments.

3.- Urgent facilities will be granted to make the payment of advance payments of the entire productive sector more flexible, in three installments immediately after the emergency period.

4.- The Ministry of Finance will coordinate any other necessary flexibility regarding the payment of tax obligations of companies and individuals, which could be deferred during the emergency period.

5.- For its part, the Monetary Board, which is in permanent session from today, will publish tomorrow, a first package of measures aimed at guaranteeing economic stability and the provision of liquidity for the country's companies, from so that they can cope with the situation and also protect people's jobs.

In addition, I am appointing the Minister of Finance and the Governor of the Central Bank to coordinate with all the productive sectors the immediate application of these and other initiatives, if necessary.

I also want to announce that we are coordinating efforts with the Social Plan of the Presidency and the Economic Dining Rooms to guarantee food and meet the basic needs of the most vulnerable population in the face of these special conditions.

Rest assured that the government will not leave anyone helpless in these circumstances.

Dominicans and Dominicans,

We are continuously monitoring the situation, both in the cases present in the country and in the rest of the world, in order to be able to make proportional decisions at all times, as the situation evolves.

And of course, we will be communicating to the Dominican society the results of this follow-up work, and reporting each case, with full transparency of information, just as the rest of the member countries of the World Health Organization are doing.

To accompany this effort, we request the collaboration of all communication professionals and citizens, spreading only those duly verified information.

It is essential to avoid spreading rumors and false news, which could deviate us, as individuals or as a group, from the correct course of action.

We ask the entire population to agree to follow the directions, respect the 15-day exception period and limit their social contacts.

Let us always remember that each protocol is designed solely for our protection and that of our loved ones, especially our elders and those most vulnerable or who are already in a delicate state of health.

Dominican people,

I do not want to close these words without expressing my sincere thanks to all the men and women who, since this situation became known, work day and night to protect the Dominican population.

People who have not hesitated for a moment to put all their dedication and dedication at the service of people, especially the most vulnerable, regardless of the number of hours of work or the effort required.

Let us all, as citizens, place our trust in each of them. In the preparation of our doctors, our nurses and all the care personnel. In the capacity of those who are coordinating actions and in the service vocation of those who guarantee order.

But above all, let us put all our faith in our own capacities, in what we are capable of overcoming together, Dominicans and Dominicans.

It is true, we are facing the most serious public health alert in recent decades.

But we are also facing one of those moments in history that show us the true greatness of human beings.

Being a Dominican has always meant facing challenges with courage and facing the future with optimism, and this time will be no exception!

Let us not let fear cloud our gaze, let us strip ourselves of all selfishness and see in each compatriot a member of our great family.

Let us act with temperance, with rationality and always thinking about what is really important, what should unite us now, what we all want to preserve: the health of our grandparents and parents, of all those who are now more vulnerable, and of course, of our children and daughters.

Thinking of all of them it will be easier for us to face the difficulties and face together any discomfort that we have to live these days.

We have already shown on numerous occasions that in the face of difficulties we become great and always put the common good first.

Let us demonstrate once again our sense of Homeland, let us remember the best values ​​that our founding fathers taught us.

I have no doubt that these same values ​​will make us act united once again and will allow us to overcome this difficulty, becoming an even stronger nation.

Dominicans and Dominicans,

Let us have faith that this evil will not destroy us, not by my strength, nor by your strength, but by the power of God.

As the sacred scriptures say in second Chronicles 7:14, “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then I will hear from heaven and forgive your sins, and heal your land. "

Thank you"

It was obvious that a closure of the borders was needed with so many imported cases and I think the 15 days is more in hope than something that will work. Other islands are beginning to close up for a month...St Martin for example.

The fact is that the countries with large and growing outbreaks have a long way to go to beat the virus. Italy is only just peaking; the rest of Europe is up to 4 weeks behind. The USA is many more weeks behind. It will be hard to open up flights to foreigners for some time. Perhaps they will start with allowing Dominicans and residents to travel as some have suggested in the media here but with the proviso they isolate for 14 days on return.

There is no immunity here through community spread and the only hope is that the virus does not spread so easily in the conditions here.

I suspect we are in for a long haul and the coming days will tell us more about any community spread.

This is going to impact many people financially and in DR particularly so where many live day to day. Countries with good social security provision will likely weather this crisis much better in the coming months - and I suspect many months before things start to return to normality. Unfortunately DR is not one of those countries.

I absolutely agree.  This country is going to have a tough time of it. 

Sadly so many live pay check to paycheck or wait for Western Union from friends and family. That is.likely to be drying up as well. 

One serious unknown is whether hotter temperatures help.  At this point there is zero evidence of that!

Excellent post

As a tourist I just want get back to Europe on my flight in April.  If we are not allowed to leave I'm not sure what to do.  We are in a holiday rental, money will run out and in my case unfortunately I am one of those vulnerable with predetermined illness and over the age of 70.

Not sure what on earth will happen.  Surely the DR Gov must allow airlines to pick up their returning passengers.

Ducketts