The Minister of Health, Dr. Irving McIntyre, has revealed that mandatory quarantine will no longer be applied to incoming travellers who have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19. He noted that incoming travellers who have their COVID-19 medical clearance will not be subjected to mandatory isolation since they have fulfilled part of the requirements for safe entry into Dominica.
According to the health minister, this new development is in response to adjustments made to entry protocols into the country. He said the cabinet approved the adjustments for fully vaccinated individuals on Tuesday, June 29. He stated that fully vaccinated individuals are less likely to transmit the pandemic, and that vaccination is more important in the light of the Delta variant which is more transmissive with higher fatality. He said the government will continue to adjust travel protocols in response to emerging scientific data on the pandemic.
In all our deliberations and decisions, we have 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 of vaccinated travellers. These new changes in protocols, coupled with our excellent management of the COVID-19 pandemic, are expected to boost travel to Dominica as one of the most preferred destinations in the region.
Dr. Irving McIntyre, Minister of Health
The minister said the changes in protocols will take effect from Wednesday, July 7, 2021 and are as follows for fully vaccinated persons:
Protocols for pre-arrival
- All travellers shall submit a health questionaire online at least 24 hours prior to arrival in Dominica
- Upload a negative PCR result from swabs taken within 24 to 72 hours prior arrival
- Upload vaccination certificate
- Pay for antigen test online which is EC$100
- Travellers must submit the following to airlines or other travel carriors prior to boarding for travel to Dominica and upon disembarkation in Dominica:
- A negative PCR test result from swabs taken within 24 to 72 hours prior to arrival and notification of health clearance to travel
Disembarkation
Upon disembarkation, travellers shall follow the standard health and sanitization protocols and present the following:
- Notification of health clearance to travel to Dominica
- Negative PCR test results
- Vaccination certificate
- Reciept for payment for antigen test
Rrapid antigen tests shall be administered to all fully vaccinated travellers on arrival. And if antigen test is positive, a PCR test will be administered immediately and travellers will await the result in room isolation and government-operated facility or safe in nature certified property. If PCR test is positive, traveller will be admitted to COVID isolation until release by a professional and hospital fee will apply if PCR test is negative.
Dr. Irving McIntyre, Minister of Health
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