Government may remove curfew restrictions and re-open all businesses if no more cases of COVID-19 are witnessed in the country. This was revealed by Health Minister Dr. Irving McIntyre who noted that no community spread of the disease has been recorded in Dominica. He said the government might further remove curfew restrictions and re-open all remaining businesses in the country.
The remaining businesses that are awaiting re-opening are cinemas, bars, gyms, tour operators, and lotto and lotteries among others. Dr. McIntyre said with the re-opening, all public employees will return fully to work and resume their official duties as it was before the advent of the coronavirus pandemic.
Until the government announces the lifting of all curfew and business restrictions – within one week from now – existing curfew hours will remain in place and affected businesses will remain shuttered, McIntyre said.
The public health and social measures such as the washing of hands, proper wearing of masks and physical distancing must remain in practice. We must face this pandemic with optimism and see the opportunity to become personally responsible for our health and that of our communities.
Dr. Irving McIntyre: Minister for Health, Wellness and New Health Investment
The health minister said every Dominican must adjust to a new normal, and youths in particular must be particularly proactive in safeguarding their health and that of the nation since a related health emergency may emerge again in the future.
He added that since Dominican students studying abroad are returning home and vessel workers are also returning back to the country, everyone must put up their guards and ensure that they are not careless with their health or joke with preventative measures such as constant washing of hands, wearing face masks, and maintaining adequate social distancing.
He, however, stated that the national borders may remain closed for now since the government cannot allow anyone to carelessly import more coronavirus infections into the island. As it stands, there are only two active COVID-19 cases in the country.
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