Since March 2020, Dominica has been dealing with the impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic which has significantly affected our way of life and livelihoods. Over the last two years, we have gone through various phases of the pandemic and we have had to respond to periods of surges, new variants, hospitalization, and deaths. Throughout this challenging period, our Government has capably responded and provided quality health
care for treatment of COVID-19, increased accessibility to COVID-19 testing, made safe and effective vaccines available to all, and put public health measures and protocols in place for the health and safety of the general public.
Our public education drive, protocols, and restrictions, progress in the vaccination of our population, along with a less virulent strain of the virus have significantly lowered our rate of hospitalization and deaths. Additionally, the number of daily new cases has dropped significantly in the last few weeks and the positivity rate (that is the number of positive cases per number of people tested) is trending downwards.
Since the surge of cases in July 2021, Government continually assessed the situation and has gradually relaxed restrictions to help the population transition safely back to normalcy. We successfully hosted pilot vaccinated entertainment events during the Carnival Season and students have returned to face-to-face learning using a blended approach. Around the world, we have noted the relaxation of restrictions as vaccination rates increase and health care systems are better able to manage the virus at this stage.
It is within this context that the Cabinet has approved a revision of COVID-19 protocols and relaxation of restrictions to allow businesses and activities to return to normal operations while protecting public health and limiting a resurgence of COVID-19 cases.
Cabinet has approved the following changes to the Environmental Health Services (COVID-19) Regulations to take effect from April 4, 2022:
Restrictions on religious gatherings have been removed. 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. Daycares and Preschools will be allowed to re-open in keeping with health protocols developed for these establishments with effect from April 4th. Primary and Secondary Schools will return to full face-to-face learning for the 3rd Term on April 25th. All other educational institutions will resume normal operations in keeping with their academic schedules.
All bars are allowed to resume normal operations. Restrictions on music and congregating have been removed.
Nightclubs are allowed to reopen for under 300 patrons with strict adherence to health protocols Restrictions on social activity, such as private parties and sporting activities, with fewer than 300 in attendance have been removed.
For special events with above 300 patrons, a special event permit is required. Proof of vaccination or 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. Nightclubs hosting events for over 300 patrons must also comply with the Special Event Protocols.
The physical distancing of six feet is no longer mandatory at businesses and establishments.
Restrictions on visitation to the prison, hospitals, and homes for the aged have been removed. The Public should note that these institutions will formulate internal policies for visitation, in keeping with health protocols and these policies should be strictly adhered to.
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 a further reduction in COVID-19 cases so we are all urged to continue following the protocols.
All businesses, establishments, churches, schools, and forms of public transportation are required to conform to the safety protocols such as sanitizing and the wearing of masks.
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