Borders to Reopen In July, Govt Outlines Preventive Measures for Visitors

The government has revealed that national borders will be reopened in July to facilitate movement of people and goods between Dominica and other countries. But travellers into the country will be subjected to strict tests to ensure they are not infected with COVID-19 before gaining entry into the country.

Health Minister Dr. Irving McIntyre said reopening the borders will usher in new challenges but the government will find a way to establish entry protocols that must be adhered to to prevent importation of coronavirus into the country.

According to him, entrants into the country will be required to fill out an online form which will include details of places the travellers had been to and where they work. Travellers will also be subjected to rapid COVID-19 tests to determine their status. PCR test may also be required and the temperature taken.

“Prior to coming here, we would love that you have a PCR test done, preferable within 72 hours,” McIntyre said. “We also have the online questionnaire that the person has to fill out. Then we can take measures accordingly. When we get here as well, we have temperature screening if you are 99.8^oC and below then you go to the next stage, if you are 99.8^oC and above then you go to the secondary screening. That’s our fourth line of defense.”

In a case where a traveller’s status is uncertain, they will be put in isolation until another PCR test confirms the situation.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of National Security and Home Affairs is set to crackdown on the illegal movement of Haiti nationals out of Dominica. Police Chief Daniel Carbon said the government may even want to know the number of undocumented Haitians in the country as well as monitor exit points on the island closely so that any illegal exit can be addressed fully.

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