COVID-19

Seriously!   I want what the consensus of health professionals and scientists advocate. Nothing more.

The Swiss experiment is a disaster.  AND not relevant to this country so that discussion wont be allowed to continue.

Further  videos all over  FB of parties and  gatherings  in various areas of the country  - the spread continues. Everyone needs to be careful.

Yes, we are the majority in DR. A very recent Gallup/Hoy poll confirmed 68% of the population still support continued curfew with less than 25% against. And this at the beginning of the festive season too!

Society here is not being forced to accept restrictions on mobility. They agree with their government adopting measures that are good for the health,safety and economic well being of society as a whole. Freedom of movement is written in the Dominican Constitution and to apply the restrictions on movemen by way of curfew the President has get approval from Congress for Emergency Powers. Democracy is at work!

Those that advocated unrestricted freedom of movement at the end of the summer in Europe and the USA have been shown to have made grave judgments with cases spiralling out of control. They have gone quiet. 205,000 new cases in a day has to prove beyond all shadow of doubt the folly of such an approach and will have repurcussions on the health of a nation for a very long time to come with potentially 10% to 30% of those infected suffering some health issues as a conseqeunce. At least in DR there has been a consistent level of control to avoid such long term health issues for this nation.

There is a simple answer for those expats that don't agree. Go back to your home country.

See! You have your freedom of choice and movement accordingly. Nothing is forced upon you.

Abinader extends curfew until December 22 and at the same time as the current one

https://listindiario.com/la-republica/2 … del-actual

President Luis Abinader issued the decree extending the curfew throughout the country until December 22.

“The curfew established in the national territory by Decree no. Is extended for 20 days, from December 2 to December 22 of the current year. 504-20, modified by Decree No. 554-20, whose hours are maintained as follows: a) Monday through Friday from 9:00 pm to 5:00 am b) Saturdays and Sundays from 7:00 pm to 5:00 am ”, explains the Presidency of the Republic .

And so he keeps his options open for the key holiday days of 24th and 31st December.

I am still hoping someone can explain what a false dichotomy is?

dichotomy

noun [ C usually singular ]   formal
UK  /daɪˈkɒt.ə.mi/ US  /daɪˈkɑː.t̬ə.mi/

a difference between two completely opposite ideas or things:

There is often a dichotomy between what politicians say and what they do.

We appear to live in a world where for some, everything is false these days.

Good one...

"Where everything is false...."

Would that be 'logically illogical?"

All things considered, life here is good (demonstrably, at least in my case, true)

I have a sea breeze sterilized by hundred or thousands of miles of transit through UV light...  I can converse with folks out of doors with a cleansing breeze between us...

I can work, teach, study, travel, read and write.

I can do what I can with what I have and I am grateful for that!

JR

Hello everyone,

Please note that some posts have been removed.

Thanks,

Diksha
Team Expat.com

And let's get back on topic please.

Tougher controls on the way? No relaxation for 24th and 31st?

Minister of Health alarmed by the night "gatherings"

Plutarco Arias called on the National Police to enforce the regulations that prohibit the gathering of people and require physical distancing in public places.

https://listindiario.com/la-republica/2 … -nocturnos

The Minister of Public Health, Plutarco Arias, asked the National Police to enforce in Santiago and other locations in Cibao, physical distancing, the use of masks and to avoid crowds in public places to prevent the Covid from continuing to spread. 19.

Likewise, he reported that they are evaluating tightening the restrictive measures from December 1 to 20 to prevent the spread of the virus.

In this context, he estimated that if people continue with their bad behavior, it will not be possible to relax confinement on special days this December.

However, he clarified that he has no answer about the bad behavior he perceives, many citizens are exhibiting in the face of this pandemic and that today, the Health Cabinet is meeting to define what would be done in the future to lower the positivity of Covid- 19.

The official complained about the bad behavior of the population, where he affirms that on weekends there are parties in the patios and other places and that this has caused a slight increase in coronavirus infections.

Minister Arias spoke at the beginning of the Safe Christmas Day, which was launched yesterday in the area by the Central Cibao Directorate of the National Police based in Santiago.

He called on that law enforcement entity to enforce the regulations that prohibit the gathering of people and require physical distancing in public places, as well as the use of masks.

The Minister of Public Health declared that on Sunday he visited the Monument to the Heroes of the Restoration of Santiago and that he was able to observe many people sharing without masks and without complying with physical distancing.

He also observed that in its surrounding areas dozens of people danced, many without their belly bands. He also explained that while he was going to Las Palomas he could observe many crowds of people.

The Minister of Health said that if the internments and infections of people are to continue like last week and previous weeks, people have to do their part and make a joint effort.

He said that the function of the Ministry he presides is to take care of the health of the Dominican people, and insisted that the population should not lower its guard, because the cases have been increasing slightly.

In his opinion, the authorities do not plan to open the country on certain special days in December and that the restrictive measures will be maintained, reiterating that what matters is taking care of people's health.

Last Black Friday, the Minister of Public Health also asked the population to be strict in the application of the recommended preventive measures against the Covid-19 virus when going to shops in search of the offers that are generally offered on the occasion of the celebrations of Black Friday, or Black Friday that has become a tradition in the country. Now with the Christmas festivities, the official confirmed “that they take care of themselves, that they do not crowd and that they use the mask. That they never remove the mask, that they stay at a distance, avoid crowds, is what we recommend in case of going to stores and other shopping centers ”.

Sadly a minority will likely further disrupt the festive season for the majority!

Where have I seen such writings like this before.

Nothing seems to be changing-a great pity because those who ignore these serious issues only help to prolong the curfews & restrictions.

I want to come back but frankly it poses too many problems for the time being.

What I have noticed is a huge increase in apartments for sale!

Anyway, great article, I just wish it could be on something more pleasant.

Stay safe

Not sure I understand this vis a vie COVID

"He also observed that in its surrounding areas dozens of people danced, many without their belly bands. "

The original spanish was:

'decenas de personas bai­laban muchas desprovis­tas (devoid) de sus bósales'.

My translator programs keep coming up with 'bozales' not reconizing 'bosales' and that can be translated  as a muzzle.

Also see the attached link:  negros bozales - the name given to new slaves from Africa by the Spanish - untamed.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bozal_Spanish

therefore .....bosales = body chains? and hence the google translation.

Probably means dancing with out  using masks guys.

Ducketts - what area have you seen large number of apartments for sale? I have seen less in the Punta Cana area besides all the new building they are doing.

This trip on arriving they asked if I was tested but that was the extent of it besides health form filled out. On leaving they did not require a migration form filled out - not sure if change moving forward. The airport was much busy this time around.

Bulletin #259

New cases 812 at a daily positivity of 16.85%
Four week positivity average now up to 12.83%
Active cases now up to 27,682

In the next 20 days there will be a wave of Dominicans arriving in the country from all around the world for Christmas and the New Year and most will come from the USA where covid19 is rife. The checks at airports are token. Add to that, the steady increase in positivity and active cases and we could be in for a much worse situation by the new year.

There seems to be a relaxation of sanitary measures and social distancing.

Will the government act soon to toughen the controls as indicated by the MoH the other day?

It is people being people and forgetting the general good of all society.

Long Covid update:

The CDC has just completed a two day workshop and has updated its website on the long term effects of covid19:

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/12/04/heal … ptoms.htmlhttps://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nc … 25-DM42580

Best advice is to take all steps to avoid getting covid19 and avoid being one of the 10% to 30% of those infected who suffer the long term effects.

Wow,  that is not good.

Yes. Do the maths.

With 1000 cases daily in DR, potentially one has an extra 100 to 300 long term covid sufferers.

If you have 200,000 new daily cases, you could have between 20,000 and 60,000 new daily long term covid sufferers.

The long term economic and medical care damage could be huge.

Now argue against mask use and curfew.

At this point so little is known about these long term effects.  Isn't it just better to err on the side of caution?  Isn't it just the right thing to do? 

Mask up. Keep your distance is you must go out.  Otherwise stay home.

I say - Get Out... Go about living as well/normally as you can
BUT
observe the proper protocol/etiquette....
for your safety & that of others

If 'Shut In' suits your style..... so be it.....

It was said at the start of all this

We will never conquer the pandemic if we can't conquer the fear

Health Minister says they could reconsider requesting COVID-19 tests from travelers

https://www.diariolibre.com/actualidad/ … BG23160122

Given the increase in cases of coronavirus in the Dominican Republic, the Minister of Health, Plutarco Arias, does not rule out the possibility of resuming the provision to require laboratory tests for travelers arriving from the United States and other countries affected by large outbreaks of the disease. pandemic.

Arias explained that with the increase in the number of tests that are performed daily, it is possible to have a greater positivity of cases.

However, he emphasized that the arrival of people from the United States could also be influencing.

"We have been increasing the number of tests and more positive cases appear, regardless there is a problem of constant travel, there are many people traveling from the United States to here that could also have a little consequence in that increase in positivity," said the official upon reaching the National Palace.

He said that the ideal is that both Dominicans and foreigners who come to the national territory, have been tested for COVID-19, 72 hours before taking the flight.

"To make things easier for people, we did not ask for it, but we could consider the possibility that we did have to ask for it because it gives us Dominicans a little more guarantee, regardless of whether we are doing the breath test at different airports. and that gives us some measure, "he specified when asked if he would consider asking travelers for evidence again.

He said that there are beds and intensive care units available, but they do not want to reach the point of collapse due to re-outbreak of the disease.

He also acknowledged that the population is not "behaving well" and disrespects the authorities' provision regarding physical distancing, use of masks and hand washing.

He reiterated that making the measures for the Christmas festivities more flexible or not will depend on the behavior of the population.

Not surprising. There will be many Dominicans coming here for Christmas and the New Year from the USA which has incredibly high daily numbers now.

Stay at home as much as you can. Limit  wo you interact with  as much as possible.   Use masks,  wash your hands and be careful.

Everything else is out of our hands.

My wife and I caught Covid in early November and have now recovered.  Fortunately we did not have bad cases. Coughs, congestion, headaches and tiredness.  No fevers.

I'm thinking that bringing our positive test results from then should take the place of a recent test.  Showing you've already had it should actually be better I would think.

Any opinions?

Glad to hear you are well and had mild cases.

It would take time to implement any pre flight testing and with the height of the high season fast approaching, I think they have left it too late and sceptical that it can/will happen in the next few weeks.

I am sure they are worried that there will be the usual infux of Dominicans flying in to join families and family reunions and this could be the perfect storm for spread of infection across the country especially as so many live in the USA - which had 202k new cases yesterday.

Hence why we won't be coming back in 2021-great pity.

I don't know where you are now Ducketts but this is a safer environment here than many, many other countries

Much better numbers...... especially if you avoid the hotspots....
Sto Dom, Santiago etc

I will start to disagree with you on that Willie.  We are back up at  over 14% posiotivity rate!  That is  way too high again, we are quickly losing control . We are no longer better than many other countries.

For the 6 December 2020 deadline, Worldometer lists the 1M deaths per inhabitant rate for the Dominican Republic at 215. According to the same 1M deaths statistics, fewer people have died of Covid-19 in the Dominican Republic than in Italy at 1,003, Spain at 989, the United Kingdom at 903, Argentina at 876, the United States at 872, France at 844, Brazil at 830, Colombia at 740 and Canada at 336, all major markets for Dominican tourism.

I dont care about deaths per 1,000 actually.   I do not believe this country is capable of reporting deaths correctly. I am much more afraid of  long term covid complications and what that will do to this country. 

But I do understand where you are coming from   Willie!

DR has considerably less over 65s compared to those other countries..just over 6% against 16% plus. Main reason for lower death rate here.

But many expats are old so we need to worry about numbers of active cases and positivity....the risk of transmission to you if you dont socially distance and wear masks etc. And on that score we are trending downhill just like most other countries did and we dont have the best healthcare in most of the country if we get sick.

The next few weeks could increase cases and positivity with fiestas and visiting family.

Enjoy but enjoy carefully following all measures put in place by government.

Bulletin #266.......................bad news

New cases   1560
Day positivity    18.76%
4 week positivity  12.56%
Active cases   30,593

Greater Santo Domingo  888 new cases
La Altagracia   121
La Vega 108
Santiago 96

Hospital beds up to 30% occupation
ICU up to 47% occupation
Ventilators up to 31%

This is what was expected I think based on recent behaviors. 

Let's see what this govt does if anything.

Cases are increasing rapidly here as around the globe again!

for me, I regularly drink hot coffee several times a day!

Please keep safe everybody!

The word out is green tea and grenadine juice!!

[Post under review]

Do not post your suggestions without sources showing scientific proof. 

Coffee and hot tea have not saved anyone.  You like coffee, drink it. You like tea, drink it. 

On a general note the better your defenses the better your health the better chance you have of fighting anything off and or having an easier time of it.  Take care of yourself because it's good for you.

On this site we follow science and medical recommendations.  We also follow the law.

I have made no suggestions in my post.

No scientific studies are needed for the statistics that the CDC, and the WHO publish
on a daily basis.

They are acknowledged to be THE worldwide authorities on all health matters,
particularly Covid-19 related.

The comparison between Covid-19 and the seasonal flu has been made by both
the CDC, and the WHO. Any search on the internet will allow you to confirm this.

***

The suggestion comment was not targeted at you.

However making comments about   covid being less than the flu won't be tolerated. 

Any comments suggesting not wearing masks won't be tolerated.

Take that conversation elsewhere

Bulletin #268

New cases yesterday  1133
Day positivity  19.74%
Rolling 4 week average positivity 12.72%
Total active cases  31,609
Total cases last 3 days   3424

Greater Santo Domingo 622 new cases
Santiago  113 new cases
Puerto Plata 45, La Vega 40, San Cristobal 38, Duarte 38, La Altagracia 36 notable others.

Alert in the Dominican Republic for increased infections; 1,133 new cases of COVID and one death are reported

https://www.diariolibre.com/actualidad/ … JG23258809

That is certainly not the direction to be going. As you and others have said, despite what government officials have/are saying, Christmas and New Years will see this rise even more. Politics and common sense rarely go hand in hand. Sadly, for many countries/areas, this spike is happening almost everywhere, even here in Alberta Canada. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you there in the DR as well as my friends and family. This holiday season will not be the most joyous but for those using common sense and care, it will still be one to cherish. Once again, I thank you for these updates - they have been most appreciated. Merry Christmas to you and yours and all that read these comments!

Bulletin #269

Total new cases  1107
Day positivity 18.11%
Total active cases 31,850

Hospitalizations up
ICU occupation now over 50%  - some hospitals now close to capaicity of ICU beds
Ventilator use up

DN 346 new cases
SD  160
Santiago 131
La Vega 93
Puerto Plata 89
Duarte 59
La Altgracia 45
Monsenor N  36

Calls in press now for tighter controls again included reverting curfew back to 7pm due to lack of respect for sanitary measures and especially in drinks, bars and colmados. The sharp rise in hospitalization increases is a concern.

Marcelino Vélez no longer has beds in the ICU or on the floor for patients with Covid-19

https://listindiario.com/la-republica/2 … n-covid-19

They suggest tightening the curfew hours due to the increase in cases of COVID-19

https://www.diariolibre.com/actualidad/ … EE23272431

After arrests made at a wedding in La Vega PN requests the collaboration of citizens to stop the pandemic


https://noticiassin.com/tras-apresamien … -pandemia/

Monsignor Jesús Castro regrets authorities lower the guard in entertainment centers due to the increase in Covid-19

https://eldia.com.do/monsenor-jesus-cas … -covid-19/