COVID-19

It's way too early to be happy about the response.  Day 1 we get good response.

Soon people start running out of food and money. Soon boredom sets in.  This is a very very social culture, we won't be able to turn that off for long.

I hope you are right honey, buy I fear you are not. 

And there is community spread.  They are trying to pretend it's not happening and it has! Way too many suspicious cases already are community spread.

planner. if there is clear evidence of community spread they will isolate areas of the country as the emergency powers allow.

Nothing is being missed by the press core these days. Such is the fear of anyone goes to a medical establishment with gripe they report it.

It is expats that are spreading excessive rumours on social media such as DR1. Dominicans aren't - not on Facebook for sure.

Look at the Calle Duarte in SD today in this article:

https://dominicantoday.com/dr/local/202 … -district/

This is normally a human mass such that traffic cannot move.

Did you see the article about Calle San Vicente in SD east?

Or the video of the young man in Santiago?  He tested negative for flu, has all symptoms of Corona virus and cannot get tested in any clinic hospital or laboratory?  He is in tears he is afraid to go home to his wife and child and no one will test him or put him in hospital or quarantine.

While I agree people are mostly cooperating ( which is awesome) don't assume it will continue long term.

It is officially 25 days lock down now

https://www.diariolibre.com/actualidad/ … LP17813383

Executive Branch promulgates resolution declaring the country in emergency by COVID-19

The measure will be for 25 days, as agreed in the National Congress

Is that from the 16th March?

Ducketts

The guy in Sosua that does videos has a new one and it is quite disturbing. Pretty much telling people to defy the rules, open their businesses, walk the streets and do what they want. Says the virus is all a government conspiracy. That the government can't tell people what to do.

My friend that lives there is terrified that the people will not follow the rules and the poor will get sick. I feel bad for her. I wish there was a way to denounce this video.

ducketts wrote:

Is that from the 16th March?

Ducketts

Until 13th April if I am counting correctly.

And this includes the closure of all borders by land, sea and air plus extraordinary powers to restrict movement around the country if needed.

ChristieE wrote:

The guy in Sosua that does videos has a new one and it is quite disturbing. Pretty much telling people to defy the rules, open their businesses, walk the streets and do what they want. Says the virus is all a government conspiracy. That the government can't tell people what to do.

My friend that lives there is terrified that the people will not follow the rules and the poor will get sick. I feel bad for her. I wish there was a way to denounce this video.

The powers of the President in a state of emergency are huge and to go against his decrees would be most unwise. I read an article by a lawyer in Dairio Libre the other day on this subject and anybody disobeying the decrees can suffer severe consequences without recourse as I understood it.

Wedding held in Punta Cana was a source of coronavirus contamination

The information was offered by the Minister of Health, Rafael Sánchez Cárdenas

https://www.diariolibre.com/actualidad/ … CP17819649

The Ministry of Health reported this Friday that a wedding that took place on March 14 in Punta Cana turned out to be a source of coronavirus contamination, due to the number of people living abroad who participated in it.

"Certainly there was a visit by a significant number of foreigners who participated in it and have been the source of contamination, which I must say continues to be the main source of contamination for COVID-19," explained Health Minister Rafael Sánchez Cárdenas. , referring to the cases that have been registered in the Dominican Republic.

However, the official did not specify how many of those who attended the wedding were positive for the virus or how many remain under observation by the authorities.


Regarding the wedding, the Health Minister recalled that the Government's measures are to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

“The wedding what it raises is what is called a conglomerate of cases, which is prior to community circulation. Why are all these state measures restricting circulation? In order to avoid community circulation, "he said during his participation in the Hoy Nuestro program.

The aforementioned wedding ceremony went viral on social networks, in a negative way, because during the party an activity was carried out in which people dressed in medical accessories, including masks, were seen.

In this sense, the organizers of the event apologized publicly for considering that it was not the time to refer to such issues, due to the world situation that the coronavirus has generated.

“The Novella team deeply regrets the organization of the activity called BARMACIA that took place at the wedding on Saturday. At no time was our intention to mock the serious situation that the world is going through with the spread of COVID-19. We want to highlight that BARMACIA was not the crazy party time and the concept was not about the coronavirus either. However, we recognize that this was not the time to carry out an activity of this nature; for this we apologize, ”says part of the message published by the Novella agency

Public Health will offer information about the coronavirus every day

It will be from this Friday, at 10:00 in the morning

https://www.diariolibre.com/actualidad/ … FP17816047

About time!

72 cases confirmed now. 300 suspicious. Centred in Santo Domingo National District and tourist locations such as Samana.

https://m.diariolibre.com/actualidad/en … AM17822398

What a ridiculous statement that a wedding March 14 was a serious source of Corona virus!  It's way too soon to even know that.

Who at the wedding tested positive?  Who else has been tested? 

When they say things like this then everything they say is suspect! 

And the guy with the video - Should go to jail.

For sure. He has produced several videos lately that are very detrimental to the DR. Specifically the North Coast. My opinion, but shared by many.

An additional bit of information given on the spread of the disease from this morning after reporters questions from Diario Libre/Listin Diario:

Most of the cases are located in the National District, Samana, Santiago, Puerto Plata and correspond to people from the middle classes, according to the official reported in a press conference.

And this

Given the alarming amount of information being distributed about coronavirus cases in the Dominican Republic, through social networks, private chats and alternative media, the Minister of Public Health, Rafael Sánchez Cárdenas, announced that measures have been taken, and the people who dedicate themselves to it will be subjected to justice.

In an emphatic way, the official pointed out that all the people who are spreading videos and audios without any responsibility and based on rumors will have to answer to the Public Ministry and the National Police.

They will start with a woman employee of a private company who released one of these videos alarming society.

We need to stick with the actual reporting. I personally think they are trying to be as transparent as possible.

My wife tells me the wedding was for a family member of the owners of Presidente beer and was attended by 150 people that fly in from Spain just days before. wealth has it privileges or they thought.

Supposedly 500 guests and some carrying Corona virus.  How do they know in such short time?

The photos of the party were truly disgusting and inappropriate!   Idiots!

Curfew now. 8pm to 6am as Diario Libre:

President Danilo Medina decreed a curfew throughout the national territory and, consequently, the transit and movement of people is prohibited from 8:00 at night until 6:00 in the morning from this Friday 20 from March to Friday, April 3.

Those who are excluded
Persons dedicated to health services, such as doctors, nurses, bi-nationalists and paramedical personnel, are excluded from this decree.

People with a medical emergency who need to go to a health center.

People who are dedicated to private security tasks duly identified.

Members of the press and other duly accredited media.

The personnel of the electricity distribution companies to exclusively attend emergency situations.

Interesting according to the latest information, Russia, the largest country in the world, has 194 cases of Covid-19 and no deaths

Why is that?  I asked my wife who is Russian and she says because the controls in Russia are very stringent.  However all the shops and restaurants are still open.

She also informs me that in Siberia there is a very large laboratory which allegedly is close to a possible vaccine and will start testing shortly.  I wonder!

Ducketts

Ducketts - it's because they control the release of information.  We.dont know the truth.

As to a vaccine - there has not been time to develope and test a vaccine.

Is that the whole country curfewed or jsu the SD Nacional area ?

The whole country is on curfew. Listin Diario translation:

President Danilo Medina decreed a curfew throughout the Dominican Republic to contain the advance of the coronavirus in the country.

The provision is contained in decree 135-20, issued this afternoon by the Communications Department of the Presidency of the Republic.

The decree establishes that the traffic and criculation of people is prohibited from 8 at night and until 6 in the morning, from Friday, March 20 to Friday, April 3.

"[Decree 135-20] President Danilo Medina establishes a curfew throughout the national territory and, consequently, transit and movement of people is prohibited from 8 at night until 6 in the morning, starting this Friday, 20 March to Friday, April 3, "wrote Roberto Rodríguez Marchena on his personal Twitter account.

The Dominican president ruled that health personnel will be exempt from the curfew; people who go to a health center and journalists.


Rodríguez-Marchena
@RodrigMarchena
[Decreto 135-20]Presidente Danilo Medina establece toque de queda en todo el territorio nacional y, en consecuencia, queda prohibido tránsito y circulación de personas desde las 8 de la noche hasta las 6 de la mañana a partir de este viernes 20 de marzo hasta viernes 3 de abril.

And Now.......

Government prohibits circulation of buses, OMSA, Metro and Cable Car of Santo Domingo

The Dominican Government banned the circulation of intercity buses and minibuses to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus, which has already infected 72 people in the country.

"The services of the Metropolitan Office of Bus Services (OMSA), the Cable Car and the Santo Domingo Metro are also interrupted," the Dominican Government reported.

The measure takes effect this Saturday, the 21st, at 6 in the morning.

The measure was released today by the Minister of the Presidency, Gustavo Montalvo, in his capacity as president of the High-Level Commission for the Prevention and Control of Coronavirus.

"This measure has already been taken in many countries, it is necessary to guarantee social distancing at this time and reduce the chances of contagion," said the Minister of the Presidency.

https://listindiario.com/la-republica/2 … to-domingo


It was coming to restrict movement around the country. Sensible move like was successful and achieved quick results in China. UK and USA and others should take note.

This begs the question will they restrict car travel with road blocks too from tomorrow after curfew ends?

After that I don't think DR can do much more other than much longer curfews.

But it is the only way to beat this as China has shown.

It is a good move.  But still they allow 4 in a carro publico.  Yikes. 

Time will tell, fingers crossed!

Other Caribbean islands are closing borders now.

TCI just announced border closure tonight.

The problem is the USA booming infection rate which is of now 19393 just a couple hundred less than Iran with a daily increase of over 5000 and still lower testing rates than many countries.

I hope they quarantine any citizen coming back from USA for 14 days.

I think we will be safer here.

Great article to read and question if DR is doing enough or at least moving in the right direction:

Coronavirus: What could the West learn from Asia?

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-51970379

Really interesting article!

At this morning's Ministry of Health briefing we are told the total number of cases has risen to 112. An increase of 40 in this report plus one more death making a total of 3.

A 51 year old Dominican was the third victim. 173 cases tested negative and 53 people in isolation in hospital.

37 cases linked to travel, 18 by transmission to exposed contacts and 57 under investigation.

51 positive cases in Santo domingo and 12 in Santiago.

60% women 40% men and average age 45 years with infected age range 2 to 88 years.

290 people are being followed because of foreign travel or contact with infected.

This is a step up in transparency. How many tests to date would be useful information.

Update giving the spread around the country:

In the District and 18 Dominican provinces there are already confirmed cases of coronaviruses

With the 51 cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) reported in the National District and 10 in the Santo Domingo province by the Public Health authorities, it is confirmed that 54.46% of the total affected population is concentrated in Greater Santo Domingo, which is of 112.

Santiago province has 12 confirmed cases, followed by La Altagracia with seven; there are four cases: La Vega, Samaná, San Pedro de Macorís and the Duarte province. With three cases there is only Puerto Plata.

According to the special bulletin number two of the Ministry of Public Health, the provinces that present two confirmed cases of coronavirus COVID-19 are: Sisters Mirabal, María Trinidad Sánchez and Azua.

While with one case they are: Monte Plata, Monsignor Nouel, Valverde, San Juan, San Cristóbal, Espaillat and the Barahona province.

Without confirmed cases are the provinces: Bahoruco, Dajabón, Elías Piña, El Seibo, Independencia, La Romana, Montecristi, Pedernales, Peravia, Sánchez Ramírez, Santiago Rodríguez, Hato Mayor and San José de Ocoa.

https://www.diariolibre.com/actualidad/ … FL17851260

About right,  with  over half the population in greater Santo Domingo about half the cases are here. 

And its spread pretty much everywhere. You have to wonder  how many more they dont know about!

Scotiabank temporarily closes 34 branches and 9 agencies for prevention, before COVID-19

The bank said that it offers its clients alternative channels to carry out transactions.

The Scotiabank branches with temporary closure are, in Santo Domingo: Ágora Mall, Sambil, Naco, Independencia, Isabel Aguiar, Bravo Churchill, Bravo Colombia, Bravo Cacicazgos, Bravo Esperilla, Bravo Prolongación 27 de Febrero and Bravo Las Américas. Santiago: La Fuente, Bravo Santiago and Jardines Metropolitanos. Likewise, Bávaro, Marina Casa de Campo and Cabarete. The Scotiabank Contact Center works Monday through Sunday from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., with telephone numbers 809-567-7268 and 1-809-200-7268 (from the interior without charges).

From the Banco del Progreso network in Santo Domingo: Ágora Mall, Blue Mall, Novocentro, Plaza Central, Sambil, Herrera, Ozama and Independencia. Santiago: CCN Paseo, La Fuente, Las Colinas and El Embrujo. Also, Sosúa, Rio San Juan, Puerto Plata February 27, Blue Mall Punta Cana and Marina Chavón. Its Service Center has hours from Monday to Saturday from 8:00 am to 6 pm and Sundays from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm; phones 809-566-7000 and 1-809-200-7000 (from the inside without charges).

De Soluciones, a division aimed at the micro-business segment, also temporarily closes the agencies Charles de Gaulle, San Pedro Macorís, Higuey, San Cristóbal, Baní, Azua, Bonao, La Vega and Puerto Plata. Santo Domingo, Santiago and La Romana will remain open.

https://www.diariolibre.com/economia/sc … JL17854638

Wow. This is a big deal.

Increase of 90 to 202 confirmed cases now.

Foreign Minister Vargas has tested positive along with son...believe son was at the wedding in PC!

The spread includes Distrito Nacional (88), Santiago, (29) Santo Domingo (31).

153 in hospital...mainly at San Isidro military hospital and 127 test results awaited.

They are still saying 'Local transmission is related to people who were infected in the country by people who came from abroad with viruses.......34 in total' ........and I guess that damn wedding!

No new deaths to report.

Spread:

Distrito Nacional: 88
Provincia Santo Domingo: 29
Santiago: 29
Azua: 2
Barahona: 1
Duarte: 8
Espaillat: 1
La Altagracia: 7
La Romana: 3
La Vega: 7
María trinidad Sánchez: 2
Puerto Plata: 3
Hermanas Mirabal: 2
Samaná: 4
San Cristóbal: 1
San Juan de la Maguana: 2
San Pedro de Macorís: 6
Sanchez Ramírez: 1
Valverde: 1
Monseñor Nouel: 2
Monte Plata: 1

Rapid increase in nymbers is also due to the availability of being able to buy your testing!   Those with money are not fighting with hospitals to be tested!  They are the ones with money and many who were at that wedding.   

The poorer in the population are going untested still like many other countries.

We are seeing some civil unrest as well.  Those not honoring the curfew are being arrested.  In Santo Domingo east a neighborhood burned tires last night to block police enforcing the curfew!  Now they should all be locked in 24/7 for 15 days!

This is the imported cases and those who came into contact with them working through the system.

The risk is if their is more community transmission but having stopped all but essential business stopped public transport except a few operating 'carros publica'  (my wife says no hay ahora) and the curfew the in theory a peak should get reached.

There is public testing taking place for those reporting to doctors with symptoms.

Lock down is the only way to control this virus.

DR is miles ahead of the USA and much of Europe on proper control measures where the cases and deaths are exploding and ahead of all nearby islands and Puerto Rico on testing.

Much safer here in DR if you stay at home as prescribed.

Church services are now happening on Facebook in DR. My wife didn't have to go out today.

Stay in, stay safe.

To add latest worldwide status:

[link under review]

USA has not been reporting so far today but went up 8,000 yesterday and lack any uniform control measures across the 51 states who are all operating differently.

I will disagree with some points but will agree in many ways we are ahead of other places.  Time will tell the story.

I took a walk on the wild side thias AM..... went to Playero & Super Pola...... from Cabrera

There is an odd feeling when you leave your own village (safe) for parts unknown.

The roads are EMPTY
Passing thru Gasping H and Cabarete......hardly any to no parked cars (8:45AM)
Returning - just a few.... nowhere near normal

Both supermarkets were virtually empty
Playero had more stock
Staff in both were masked and gloved

I started with a mask but discarded it...
never close enough to people - never heard a cough or sneeze

I didn't use gloves - the cart handle might be dangerous tho

Am I infected....???
Call me in 14 days I guess.

I kept my distance... was careful......what are you going to do ?

Anyway - that's the scoop

It was like another planet -- so empty - almost desolate

Great post

However doctors are saying for us, not hospital staff, masks don't work for the general public and a complete waste of time.  I bought a box of 100 in France and so far I''m heading the advice of doctors.  Don't wear them

Ducketts

lennoxnev wrote:

Scotiabank temporarily closes 34 branches and 9 agencies for prevention, before COVID-19

The bank said that it offers its clients alternative channels to carry out transactions.

The Scotiabank branches with temporary closure are, in Santo Domingo: Ágora Mall, Sambil, Naco, Independencia, Isabel Aguiar, Bravo Churchill, Bravo Colombia, Bravo Cacicazgos, Bravo Esperilla, Bravo Prolongación 27 de Febrero and Bravo Las Américas. Santiago: La Fuente, Bravo Santiago and Jardines Metropolitanos. Likewise, Bávaro, Marina Casa de Campo and Cabarete. The Scotiabank Contact Center works Monday through Sunday from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., with telephone numbers 809-567-7268 and 1-809-200-7268 (from the interior without charges).

From the Banco del Progreso network in Santo Domingo: Ágora Mall, Blue Mall, Novocentro, Plaza Central, Sambil, Herrera, Ozama and Independencia. Santiago: CCN Paseo, La Fuente, Las Colinas and El Embrujo. Also, Sosúa, Rio San Juan, Puerto Plata February 27, Blue Mall Punta Cana and Marina Chavón. Its Service Center has hours from Monday to Saturday from 8:00 am to 6 pm and Sundays from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm; phones 809-566-7000 and 1-809-200-7000 (from the inside without charges).

De Soluciones, a division aimed at the micro-business segment, also temporarily closes the agencies Charles de Gaulle, San Pedro Macorís, Higuey, San Cristóbal, Baní, Azua, Bonao, La Vega and Puerto Plata. Santo Domingo, Santiago and La Romana will remain open.

https://www.diariolibre.com/economia/sc … JL17854638

I expect the ATM's will be restocked.........

I heard that too ducketts.........masks

I am impressed by the response/reaction of the general population.
They seem to be obeying and trying to comply

We know they are scared to death of pneumonia...
We know they are aware of the porr health care afforded to them
We know they are generally a clean people

Kudos to them for shutting themselves in - must have been like this in the UK in WWII

My 'side of the road ' fruit/veggie people are wearing masks and not shaking hands
Elbows or feet is how they do it

It is a virtual shutdown......
Like Neil Armstrong must have felt on the moon

hahaha

Hopefully - it will work

Australia has closed itself to foreigners for 6 months........