Dominican Republic has reopened

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC — After reopening to tourists on July 1 following months of lockdown due to COVID-19, the Dominican Republic has now announced new safety protocols for hotels and all other tourism operators.

According to Minister of Tourism Francisco Javier García, all safety measures adhere to the recommendations of the World Health Organization and have been coordinated between government and private entities.

“Our guiding principle is to generate a framework and tools to offer unforgettable tourist experiences in accordance with the most rigorous standards in the industry,” he said.

The following safety protocols have been implemented to help ensure the health and safety of travellers and residents alike:

AIRPORTS

All passengers will have their temperature checked as they disembark the plane
Passengers who register a temperature above 38 C degrees or present any other symptoms will undergo a rapid COVID-19 test; airport authorities will also initiate the protocols for isolation and treatment
Social distancing measures have been implemented at airport terminals
Use of face masks is mandatory for employees and passengers
Passengers are required to fill out and submit a Traveller’s Health Affidavit to declare they have not felt any COVID-19-related symptoms in the last 72 hours as well as provide contact details for the following 30 days

HOTELS

Guests will undergo temperature checks at check-in and sign a declaration of health
Guests will be provided with masks and disinfectant gel
Hotel spaces will be redistributed to maintain distance in all common areas
Baggage disinfection
Elimination of self-serve food and beverage so that utensils are handled only by personnel
Special protocols for the care and isolation of guests with symptoms

RESTAURANTS

Tables are to be distanced at least two metres apart, with 10 diners maximum per table
Implementation of digital menus, disposable printed menus or other options that reduce physical contact
Use of food dinsifectants for produce consumed raw
Frequent disinfection of all high-touch surfaces

MARITIME TRANSPORT AND AQUATIC SPORTS

Temperature checks prior to boarding any excursion transportation
Thorough sanitization of all equipment used by customers (ie. Tanks, masks, paddles, etc.) before and after use
All boats will be sanitized before and after each use
Maintaining established safety distance throughout the activity

OTHER RECREATIONAL & TOURISM ACTIVITIES

These guidelines apply to horseback riding, sightseeing, zip lines, theme parks and paintball
Reduction of vehicle occupancy to 50% to guarantee safe distances between clients
Use of masks inside all vehicles
Preparation of one-way routes to avoid crossing paths with other groups
Sanitization of all surfaces and equipment (ie. Reins, harnesses, helmets, vests, etc.)

The Ministry of Tourism and the Ministry of Public Health are tasked with supervising the compliance of all safety protocols. In addition, in the case of hotels, a certification program has been established by a Quality Council headed by the National Association of Hotels and Tourism (ASONAHORES), guaranteeing that establishments comply with the regulations.

For more updates go to https://www.godominicanrepublic.com/newsroom/coronavirus/.

For more destination updates go to https://www.travelweek.ca/news/destinations-reopening-list/.