Dominica lifts curfew; wristband introduced as govt announces new regulations

Monday, 23rd August 2021

Roseau: “The curfew order will be lifted from Monday evening 23 August 2021, a number of measures to manage the gathering of people will remain in place. The new regulations include provision for isolation, travel protocols, a requirement to notify in the case of infection or suspected infection, mandatory mask requirement, large gathering, reopening of businesses and public transportation,” said Rayburn Blackmoore, Minister for National Security and Home Affairs. On Sunday, Dominica Cabinet approved new Environmental Health Services COVID-19 regulations under section 30 of the environmental health services act to deal with the management of COVID-19, which will be implemented from Tuesday 24 August 2021. Isolation: The chief medical officer or any authorized by him to isolate or place on the surveillance in any case or suspected case of COVID-19 or any carrier or suspected carrier of any contact of such persons in keeping with these new protocols for home isolation. Wristband: A medical officer shall require a person who is isolated at home to wear a wristband. The wristband shall be removed by an authorized medical professional when the person is medically cleared. Under the provision, a person who fails to comply with the requirement to be placed in quarantine or isolation removes a wristband without authorization is considered to be an offence. And the person will have to pay the penalty of $10,000. Minister emphasized that international organizations have observed that wearing a mask, sanitizing and social distancing is vital preventive measures against COVID-19. “One must wear a mask or suitable covering over his nose and mouth during usage of public transportation, visiting public buildings including supermarkets, retail and wholesale establishment or other similar places such as parks, river banks and beaches.” Therefore, if a person is found not wearing a mask in a public place, he or she commits the crime. The government has increased the fine from $75 to $500. Large gatherings: Under the environmental health services COVID-19 regulations, a person shall not host or attend a large gathering. The regulation is defined as 10 or more persons who are present or promotes or assists in the promotion of a large gathering also commits an offence. A police officer may order any large gathering to disperse. Worship or religious places: All religious places will be open to no more than 10 persons and to facilitate conducting or services by electronic or virtual means. Weddings will be limited to 10 persons, which includes 6 persons other than the bride, groom, official witnesses and the marriage officer. Funerals will be limited to 10 persons, including the officiant and essential mortuary staff. All schools will remain closed and will be reopened virtually on the conditions to be further detailed by the Ministery of Education. Public Transportation: No more than 3 persons shall occupy a row of a bus. There shall be no more than two persons in a taxi, all passengers must sanitize hands, wear masks and keep the windows open as much as it is possible. Visitation restrictions: a person shall not be permitted to visit any place of quarantine or isolation, hospital infirmary, residential care facility or nursing homes. Reopening of businesses: With effect from Tuesday 24 August 2021, businesses and establishments will reopen in accordance with the protocols established and published by the Chief Medical Officer. Every business or establishment shall be subject to the physical distancing requirements to ensure that customers and staff maintain a safe distance no less than 6 feet. Businesses are allowed one person for every 30 square feet of the store’s space and must exercise proper hygienic practices. All establishments which are allowed to be open under the curfew order will continue to operate, and all other retail and service establish meant will reopen with exceptions. Restaurants will remain open for take away and delivery only. Barbershops, dressers and spas will be open on a first basis under the strict protocols from the ministry of health. However, approval from Environmental Health Department must be granted prior to opening. Bars, nightclubs and gyms will remain closed for this time.

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