The use of face masks has now been made compulsory in public places across the country. Anyone found in any public space in Dominica without wearing a face mask or covering risks a fine of $75 or imprisonment. This announcement was made by Acting Deputy Chief of Police, Davidson Valerie, in furtherance of the new Environmental Health Services COVID-19 Amendment Regulations 2020.
The police boss defined a public place as a bus, car, taxi, supermarkets, bars, markets, religious houses, and parks and beaches. “The Environmental Health Services Covid-19 Amendment Regulations 2020 has made it mandatory that everyone wears a mask or a suitable covering over the nose and mouth,” he said.
Valerie also stated that the government has placed a ban on mass public gatherings conducted without express authorization from the Chief of Police. He said all public gatherings must be less than 50, and any gathering above this number must be authorized by police authorities.
He said people must officially request write to the Chief of Police for authorization for a public gathering that is more than 50 people, and that the application must include the name of the organizer, contact address, location of event, and purpose of event among other things. The forms for this can be obtained at Discover Dominica Authority (DDA) office.
“On receipt of the prescribed application form, a monitoring and approval team comprising personnel of the Dominica Police Force and the Ministry of Health will inspect each venue prior to approval,” Valerie stated.
Anyone who organizes a social party or any mass gatherings of people above the regulated number will be penalized $10,000 or serve one year imprisonment.
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