Statement by Hon. Rayburn Blackmoore Minister For National Security

The Curfew Order was intended to limit movement and support the work of our health care professionals in contact tracing, testing, and providing care for the ones affected by this virus.

I can report that for the most part, the Dominican public has been compliant during the period of the Curfew Order and I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their cooperation with the Dominica Police Force and the other frontline workers during this time.

Last evening the Honourable Prime Minister reasoned with us and indicated that Government does not wish to impose “draconian measures” at this time and we urge the public to take personal responsibility to protect ourselves and each other from the COVID-19 virus so that our country can return to state of normalcy.

While we continue to battle this virus, it cannot be business as usual and we must continue to put measures in place for a safe phased re-opening of the country. In this regard, Cabinet has approved new Environmental Health Services (COVID-19) Regulations under Section 30 of the Environmental Health Services Act Chap 42:01 to deal with the management of COVID-19 from Tuesday, August 24, 2021.

While the curfew will be lifted from Monday evening, a number of measures to manage the gathering of people will remain in place. The new regulations includes provisions for isolation, travel protocols, requirement to notify in case of infection or suspected infection, mandatory mask requirements, large gatherings, reopening of business, public transportation, among others. It is worthy of note that throughout these Regulations, the onus is put on persons providing services as well as persons seeking or accessing these services. This situation calls for vigilance from every single person, business or entity.