On Tuesday 29th June 2021, Cabinet approved adjustments to protocols for vaccinated individuals traveling to Dominica. Science has shown that fully vaccinated travelers as well as individuals who have been previously infected with COVID-19 are less likely to be a source of transmission of the virus. This is even of greater significance in view of the emergence of the Delta variant which is highly transmissible.
With the increasing scientific data available we continue to adjust travel protocols while still maintaining public health and social measures. In all our deliberations and decisions we have always and will always place the health and safety of the public first. The adjustments made will alleviate some of the inconveniences faced during travel and will improve the travel experience for vaccinated travelers. These new changes in protocols coupled with our excellent management of the COVID-19 pandemic is expected to boost travel to Dominica as one of the most preferred destinations in the region.
The changes in travel protocols will take effect from Wednesday, July 7th, 2021, and are as follows: Protocols for Pre-Arrival Compulsory requirements for all fully vaccinated passengers/travelers will remain as follows:
All travelers shall:
• Submit a health questionnaire online at least 24 hours prior to arrival in Dominica
• Upload a negative PCR test result from the swab taken within 24-72 hours prior to arrival.
• Upload vaccination certificate
• Pay for Antigen test online (XCD$100)
• Travellers must present the following to airlines or other travel carriers prior to boarding for travel to Dominica and upon disembarkation in Dominica:
Negative PCR test result from a swab taken within 24-72 hours prior to arrival. Â
Notification of health clearance to travel Disembarkation: Upon disembarkation, travelers shall follow the standard health and santization protocols and present the following:
• Notification of health clearance to travel to Dominica
• Negative PCR test results
• Vaccination certificate
• Receipt from payment for Antigen Test
Testing:
A Rapid Antigen Test shall be administered to all fully vaccinated travelers on arrival
• If Antigen Test is positive, a PCR test will be administered immediately and traveler will await the results in room isolation at Government operated facility or Safe in Nature-certified property.
If the PCR test is positive, the traveler will be admitted to COVID Isolation Unit until released by an authorized Health Professional. Hospital fees will apply.
If the PCR test is negative, the traveler will be deemed medically cleared at the discretion of medical officials.
• If Antigen Test is negative, traveler will be deemed medically cleared at the discretion of medical officials
• There shall be no mandatory quarantine for fully vaccinated travelers who have been medically cleared.
• Travelers shall self-monitor, record temperature daily, and report any symptoms to health professionals. The Public should note that Individuals are considered to be fully vaccinated if:
• They have completed both doses of an approved COVID-19 two-dose vaccine regime or have received the single dose of Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine.
The vaccine has been approved by the Ministry of Health, Wellness and New Health Investment, CARPHA, and World Health Organization (WHO).
• The second dose of vaccine (or the single dose of the Johnson & Johnson) has been received more than two weeks prior to travel to Dominica. I take this opportunity to announce our low-risk countries as follows: Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados and Grenada. The criterion for reclassification as low risk is based on less than six (6) cases in any given day during the last four-week period.
All travelers from low-risk countries do not require mandatory quarantine. Travelers will receive an Antigen test on arrival and be medically cleared if the test is negative. Let me take this opportunity to remind everyone that it is important to get vaccinated. It is very important to note that 99.5% of all COVID-19 related deaths over the last six months have been in unvaccinated individuals. Getting vaccinated is our defense against COVID-19 and our key to reopening our economy and also regaining and growing our livelihoods. It is important to show a sense of public concern and continue to adhere to the basic protocols of handwashing, sanitization, wearing of masks, and physical distancing. These basic simple measures must continue since we know that the COVID-19 pandemic is not over and remains an ongoing threat.
We are also pleading to all travelers and visitors to adhere to the protocols. It is because of these protocols we have been able to keep our numbers down and our people safe.
I thank the general public for your cooperation thus far for participating in our vaccination efforts and adhering to our public health and social measures. It is with collective and collaborative action we will continue to effectively fight this dreaded pandemic. I wish to also thank all of our health care and other frontline workers for their continued dedication to the fight against COVID-19.