Dominica makes changes to COVID-19 protocols and restrictions; mask mandate remains

The Cabinet of Dominica has approved the following changes to the environmental health services Covid-19 regulations to take effect from April 4th 2022.

Acting Prime Minister and Minister for Health, Wellness and New Health Investment, Dr. Irving McIntyre made the announcement on Monday evening.

“Restrictions on religious gatherings have been removed,” he said. “Churches are no longer restricted to a maximum attendance of 150 and may operate at full capacity.”

Public transportation is allowed to operate at full capacity, restrictions on educational instruction have been removed and with effect from April 4th, daycares and preschools will be allowed to reopen in keeping with public health protocols developed for these establishments, the minister further stated

“Primary and secondary schools will return to full face-to-face learning for the third term on April 25th,” Dr. McIntyre revealed. “All other educational institutions will resume normal operations in keeping with their academic schedules.”

According to the Minister, bars are allowed to resume normal operations, restrictions on music and congregating have been removed while night clubs are allowed to reopen for under 300 patrons with strict adherence to health protocols.

Social activities such as private parties and sporting activities will no longer be restricted to an attendance of fewer than 300 but organizers will now have to obtain a permit for special events with more than 300 patrons. Nonetheless, in such cases, proof of vaccination or a negative antigen test result within 24 hours of entry is required and other health protocols will be applied.

“Sporting events with above 300 patrons will be hosted under the revised Special Event Protocols,” Dr. McIntyre noted. “Night clubs hosting events for over 300 patrons must also comply with the Special Event Protocols.”

Physical distancing of 6 feet is no longer mandatory at businesses and establishments and restrictions of visitation to the prison, hospitals and home for the elderly have been removed but according to the minister, these institutions will formulate internal policies for visitation in keeping with health protocols and these policies should be strictly adhered to.

Significantly, the mask mandate remains in effect and will be reviewed in May.

“The removal of the mask mandate will depend on an increase in vaccination numbers and further reduction in Covid-19 cases, so we are all urged to continue following the protocols,” , Dr. McIntyre noted.

Below is the minister’s full statement.

Download (PDF, 434KB)

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10 Comments

  1. Possie Again
    April 3, 2022

    The no-noise/low-nose ordinance should remain in place or enforced, require permission for loud music. Most of your tourists come from locations where there are do-not-disturb laws allow them to enjoy their homes, they ain’t stupid.

  2. Charles
    March 30, 2022

    You are on the good way. But why still keep this discrimination against non-vaccinated travelers, when all the scientific community around the world recognize now that vaccinated people can transmit the virus as much as non-vaccinated ?

    Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 11 Thumb down 0
    • Waiting for Airport
      April 1, 2022

      because this has never been about COVID… something in that vaxx they want inside of every human on the planet. COVID is just the excuse they using to trick people into taking it.

  3. March 29, 2022

    According to Dr John Campbell, natural immunity from exposure to Covid 19 offers greater and longer lasting immunity than that provided by the vaccine. Omicron is now the predominant strain, which is highly contagious but far less deadly, so mild in fact that it is no longer worthy of pandemic status. Denmark has recognized this and removed all restrictions, allowing it to rip through the population as rapidly as possible, whilst most are at maximum protection from 3 doses of vaccine. This sounds like a sensible approach. We are all likely to be exposed to Omicron sooner or later. I would prefer that for me personally, it happens soon, whilst my vaccine protection is strong and before its effectiveness wanes.

  4. Alice
    March 29, 2022

    Sir…could u remember we were doing well until we had Christmas on the bolivard….even small children was out late….until the covid got out of hand….hope u all will get it right…i hope u all did not do this to start campaigning….i am feelin i am living in alice in wonder land….

    Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 7 Thumb down 1
  5. nester
    March 29, 2022

    What about Travel protocols?
    Have these been revised?

    ADMIN: That is a good question and there have been a few changes. The full statement is attached.

  6. Zandoli
    March 29, 2022

    DNO…to be clear, I sm to understand that vaccinated travelers no longer get need an antigen test to travel to Dominica?

    ADMIN: This is how we have interpreted the statement as well. “The requirement for pre-arrival testing and testing on arrival for vaccinated travelers at all ports of entry, to include seafarers and yachters, has been removed.”

    • We the People
      March 30, 2022

      Another way of bullying non-vaccinated persons. What a load of crap!!!

      Well-loved. Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 1

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