Dominica: No mandatory quarantine for fully vaccinated travellers

The Caribbean island of Dominica has removed quarantine restrictions for fully vaccinated individuals. Minister of Health and Wellness Dr Irving McIntyre stated that as per scientific reports, fully vaccinated travellers and individuals who had contracted COVID-19 previously as less likely to be a source of virus transmission. The new quarantine changes for vaccinated individuals will take effect from Wednesday, 7 July 2021. Health Minister stated that all vaccinated individuals must undergo a rapid antigen test on arrival. Dr McIntyre stated that if the antigen test comes positive, a PCR test will be administered, and the traveller will be subjected to be isolated at a government health facility or a Safe in Nature property.He said on condition if the PCR test results are positive, the travellers will be admitted to a COVID-19 isolation unit until released by an authorized health professional, the hospital fee will also apply. However, if the PCR test results are negative, the traveller will be deemed medically cleared.The Minister of Health noted that no quarantine is not required for fully vaccinated individuals who clear the medical on arrival. But, the individuals must be obliged to report any symptoms to health officials if they experience sickness afterwards. Dr McIntyre stated that a person must be vaccinated with a single dose of the Johnson and Johnson vaccine or other two doses of vaccines approved by the ministry of health, WHO and CARPHA. The second dose must be taken at least two weeks prior to arrival in the country.Health Minister Irving McIntyre stated that the health departments continue to adjust travel protocols while still maintaining public health and social measures. "In all our deliberations, decisions we have always placed safety and health of the public at first." stated the Dominican health minister. Furthermore, he stated that the new changes in quarantine will eliminate some of the inconvenience faced during travel and will also improve the travel experience for vaccinated travellers. He said that the new changes would also boost the tourism sector in Dominica.  Protocols for Pre-arrivals and mandatory requirements for fully vaccinated travellers are as followed:

1. All travellers shall submit a health questionnaire online at least 24 hours prior to arrival in Dominica
2.  Mandatory to upload negative PCR test results from a swab taken 24-72 hours prior to arrival at https://domcovid19.dominica.gov.dm/
3. Upload vaccination certificate at https://domcovid19.dominica.gov.dm/
4. Pay EC $100 for antigen test online 

Documents to board the airliner to Dominica: 

• Show negative PCR test results before boarding the plane (Swab taken 24 to 72 hours prior to arrival)
• Show notification of health clearance to travel 
• Vaccination certificate
• Receipt of Antigen test payment

Low-risk countries

1. Antigua and Barbuda
2. Barbados
3. Grenada
4. British Virgin Islands

The Health Minister said no quarantine is required for individuals coming from low-risk countries; however, they will have to undergo a rapid antigen test on arrival and will be deemed clear if the results are negative.