Flight Cancelled

Here's Fauci being interviewed in the UK press
He is saying the US borders will remain closed for months more probably
He specifically mentions Brits - in the British press - but it reads as if the US will continue to be closed for quite a while
================================

British holidaymakers can expect to be banned from travelling to the United States for months under coronavirus restrictions, according to America's most prominent public health official.


In an interview with The Telegraph, Dr Anthony Fauci, a leading member of the White House Coronavirus Task Force, said the ban could last until a vaccine is developed, although it may be before that. He said lifting it would be "more likely months than weeks."


Around 3.8 million Britons visit the United States in a normal year, to holiday destinations including New York, Los Angeles, Florida and Las Vegas. The travel ban was ordered by Donald Trump In March. There are some exceptions, including green card holders, those with American spouses, and UK government officials, but the vast majority of British citizens are effectively barred. Bans are also in place for the European Union, China, and Brazil.


Dr Fauci, America’s top infectious disease expert, said: "It's going to be really wait and see. I don't think there's going to be an immediate pull back for those kinds of restrictions. My feeling, looking at what's going on with the infection rate, I think it's more likely measured in months rather than weeks."

And somehow people think we should let Brits and Americans in here???

Certainly not the Americans.  The Brits have it fully under control now.

Ducketts

I doubt Canada is anxious to open the border to the US....
closure been extended 2x already....

They are allowing immediate family of residents in & property owners
will allow later this month

Sorry not going to get me to agree the brits have it under control.

Not surprised Planner by your comments but they have as have the French and many other European countries-Why? Because they showed discipline with regard to social distancing.  Something as I've said on numerous occasions totally lacks in DR.  Now most of these countries are nearly back to normal.

You cannot put DR into a cocoon or do so at your peril.  Regardless you have to have a fine balance between health & economics..  We will of course see what happens but I hope good old fashioned good common sense will prevail not for subjective emotive reasons.

Ducketts

Several European countries do have it under control.  Absolutely.

So why would those countries permit their people to visit a country that does not have it under control?

https://www.arecoa.com/aeropuertos/2020 … los-julio/

Interesting items especially did not know US was paying money so will open it to them for $$$

That's scheduled but let's see how many actually happen.

UK may not be under control yet-

2 women went for a funeral -

UK visitors test positive in New Zealand, ending country's 24-day streak of no new infections

Visitors from Britain travelled via Qatar and Australia on connecting flights

Asonahores leaders go to the Palace to review protocols and options to open tourism

https://www.arecoa.com/destinos/2020/06 … r-turismo/

We might get to know more about who can visit and when and with what protocols later today.

Of course they did.  Of course that is the primary concern while more people are dying.  No surprise at all.

That's how it's being worked .  .  .  globally.

Rock vs Hard Place

It really is!  There are many businesses that can open safely and carefully.  And there are others that need to wait.

Honestly I do not trust most businesses here to follow the rules!  It's up to each of us to stay safe, whatever that means to you.

Government analyzes this week if it maintains the reopening of tourism for July 1

https://www.diariolibre.com/economia/go … -para-eThe Minister of Economy, Planning and Development, Juan Ariel Jiménez, said that the possibility of reopening airports and tourism on July 1 will be discussed this week "within the government."

On May 19, the economic reactivation began, consisting of four phases. Tourism is one of the last sectors that will return to operations.

When asked whether the government is rethinking the restart of airports and hotels due to the recent spike in COVID-19 cases, the head of the economic office said that "this issue is going to be discussed this week.".........



Quite rightly the governemnet are considering the situation very carefully. Not only does DR have spiralling new cases but the main market for tourists - the USA - is a far worse state right now in many areas.

I still think epidemiological ring fenced tourist zones is the answer for DR. Allow international entries (other than citizens and residents who quarantine) into these zones only for tourists who cannot leave the areas eg Punta Cana or Bayahibe, and they are managed to avoid infection both to them and to locals. Like Bahamas prior to departure, a recent PCR test, a completed health visa online giving accommodation and travel details and medical insurance cover for the trip would be a good first step  and then test as planned protocols on arrival and monitor health.

This is beginning to become a fairly standard approach with local variations across the Caribbean. Costa Rica is taking it more cautiously allowing only tourists from so called 'safer' countries at first and that is ruling out USA for the first phase of incoming visitors. Mexico is much more relaxed but in a terrible mess for not taking the virus seriously. Go there at your risk.

You say ................"but the main market for tourists - the USA - is a far worse state right now in many areas".

Totally agree the US is in a bad way with thousands of new cases everyday but countries like Spain & France are nearly back to normal and countries like this I believe should be allowed to operate into DR subject of course to the usual declaration forms T & T and temp checks.

Ducketts

We are forgetting that the evolution of covid19 in DR was largely from arrivals from Madrid.

It just does not seem a sensible idea right now to invite visitors into this country when there is a serious pandemic here and knowing that some could be carrying the virus too.

Spain has 67,804 and France has 56,475 active cases as of this morning which are very large numbers mindful there will be 40% asymptomatic on top of that. USA has 1,501,806 active cases and growing!

So what is the point travelling 8 plus hours in a confined space with the high risk of catching covid19 on a flight from Europe right now? Much higher on a flight from USA and taking your temperature is a pretty ineffective test.

Is DR willing to risk visitrs arriving and going straight into communities with such high risks without controls. We will find out soon but doubt it makes sense. And that is why the tourism bodies have protocols developed for tourists for tourist aeas and why citizens returning still go into 14 day quarantine.

Punta Cana and the East Coast is the key economically  and one should expect an exception there and perhaps only there for the time being.

Not sure I understand your points about France & Spain.  Both countries are doing well and most operations are back to normal.

But that aside are you suggesting the main airport in DR SDQ should remain closed while Punta Cana which is 99% charter from incoming countries like Spain. UK & France should be perhaps exempt as an airport.

I just don't understand this.  Interesting, I've just spoken to the French embassy in SD who confirm that flights with Air France will resume on 5th July.  Of course this is their latest update to their nationals and is subject of course to IDAC.  Worst of all is that this Gov has failed miserably in containing the virus and has published their various phases for re opening the economy, airlines and companies have reacted accordingly  The sheer confusion and chaos if DR is to remain closed is mind boggling.

As you say we will see what happens, but I don't see the likes of Air France & Iberia moving their operations to PUJ should, as you say, be the only airport which may possibly re open.

I spoke with the gardener who comes to the house and he jokingly said to me "Dominicans are mad, all they talk about are the upcoming elections-which he added we don't need right now, and he added the Gov was in total disarray and at the moment the only important thing to them were the jostling for political positions at any cost" .  If he is correct it really is a sad day for all.

We wait and see!

Ducketts

You are missing the point.

Countries in Europe have not got rid of the virus and the presence of large numbers of remaining still active cases proves that.

They are managing the situation by test and trace and social distance.

But there remains a risk and the large outbreak in Germany this past few days proves just that.

The virus remains and can quickly return and may need new a new lockdown as Germany has done and China had to do recently.

DR has limited capacity to test sufficiently in a situation where there is now widespread transmission throughout the country with plenty of mobility.

If they are going to restart tourism they should do so to the East Coast first as it would be easier to manage and if successful expand to other areas. This does not negate the possibility of flights into SDQ and other airports for initially citizens, residents, visa holders and business persons plus those that plan to fly out. But those that come should follow quarantine requirements or even a PCR test here and quarantine until the result is known.

This is now becoming a norm in the Caribbean and St Lucia, Aruba, Antigua and Barbuda  Bahamas, St Barts and Bermuda are following this route whilst Jamaica is controlling the movements of tourists.

Aruba is interesting because it is imposing a local medical insurance charge to all visitors for potential covid19 costs. Others are charging for the PCR test on arrival with quarantine until the result.

I think DR has to adopt methods like Jamaica in say East Coast and PCR testing and quarantine for elsewhere initially under current circumstances.

What is the appeal for a visitor here when the positivity of tests is so high and the number of active cases continue to grow? Unless there is some control on where you stay and limitations on movement while you are here the risk seems to far outweigh any benefit in my opinion. Punta Cana, like other vacation destinations such as Costa Rica, may have a better opportunity to minimize these risks because it is far easier to have some control on the movement of guests. So limiting the locations visitors can travel to makes sense in my opinion.

Some countries are certainly doing better than others but close scrutiny of arriving travellers is paramount.  Active cases in a country that exceed 50,000 seems to me to be far from normal and any suggestion that they have things under control is not accurate in my opinion. I agree with you Lennox potentially transporting in  more cases seems like a poor idea unless  you can confine and control access.

Punta Cana and the East Coast represents the bulk of tourism in this country and it can be isolated from the rest of the country with epidemiological controlled entry points on the Autovia Este, from Higuey and from Miches. The same could be done for Bayahibe. It gets much harder for the North Coast but it could work for Samana too with one road in.

I tend to agree, what tourists want to visit a country where they could get infected? It is not so bad travelling a short distance between European knowing there are reciprocating and good health provision available but DR is adifferent matter. Mexico are already finding this out.

It is short term thinking opening up to tourism when the conditions aren't right and won't be for some time. So make those safe conditions in parts of the country should be the focus.

When reading the  4 Phases of opening you need to read the lines that  act as a disclaimer. EVERYTHING is subject to current conditions and  decisions!  Any company or country or tourist who did not pay attention to the disclaimer was  not very  bright frankly!

Anyone not watching current results and trends is not doing themselves any favors.

Yes this is doable.  Is it likely to be done right,  no.  Is it possible they will do it anyway, absolutely.

This is quite staggering and a warning to DR authorities to be cautious on opening up to USA flights without very tough controls.

Coronavirus: Americans likely to be barred when Europe reopens its borders

https://news.sky.com/story/coronavirus- … s-12013494

The EU will open its borders to some visitors from around the world next month, but it is likely that travellers from the US will not be allowed in.

The country is still considered to be a significant risk due to its high number of COVID-19 cases, with Donald Trump's leading infectious diseases expert having warned on Tuesday of a "disturbing surge" in some states.

That was damn smart of the EU in my opinion.

Not in the least surprised.  The whole matter has been handled very badly from the outset.

And when today you still have daily increases of the virus of between  +20-56,000 it is no wonder.  Added to which the recent demos haven't helped the situation.

Of course we will see what really happens however it's amazing how money talks!

Ducketts

Well I sure hope they have an exception for those who are post-infection, disease free and carrying antibodies!

JR

This will damage Caribbean tourism restarts!

https://antiguaobserver.com/breaking-ne … -covid-19/

39 new cases in a country that was free of covid19 but has now had new cases after recent reopening of borders from imported cases of returning citizens including many from DR!

We are in a very fluid situation in regards Caribbean tourism.

Everybody is keen to open up DR tourism gaian but there are two very serious problems:

1. DR has a big problem and it is a whole country problem with cases growing everywhere and this will get almost certainly get worse before the elections are over. And so there will be a need to tighten things up after the election and by the new government later in August.

2. The major market for tourism is the USA and the cases there are growing exponentially apart form the North East but they could easily get infected from within again in a country with 1.55 million active cases which are growing big time daily with insufficient controls.

MITUR confirms hotels and tourism will reopen on 1st July but from where will guests come? The government hasn't confirmed yet the conditions they require to allow people to fly and enter DR and that is key. The protocols at airports and on arrival and for all tourism including domestic are agreed.

Your second point is so valid:

"2. The major market for tourism is the USA and the cases there are growing exponentially apart form the North East but they could easily get infected from within again in a country with 1.55 million active cases which are growing big time daily with insufficient controls".

Allow controlled tourism but do not allow any traffic from the US even though its the largest customer for DR.  The US is in a total mess and while Trump continues to talk about stock markets rather than the threat of Covid-19 in his country, there little sign of any improvements. Today saw increases of new cases circa 37,000

I believe the EU will block all travel from the US.  Yes this will cause a major political storm but The EU really has little choice.  Whether the UK will follow suit is another question!-such are politics today.

Whilst there will be second spikes i.e. Germany, they already have their R number back down to 0.71.

Ducketts

Why would any country allow travel here?  Cases rising.  Deaths rising. Hospitalizations rising.  Hospitals closer and closer to full.

Jay - my understanding is if you have medical proof of infection, recovery  and antibodies you can fly here and not have to quarentine when tourism opens!

This Caribbean island travel requirement is becoming common now:

https://www.visittci.com/travel-info/tu … s-covid-19

PCR test 72 hours before travel and health insurance. Mask wearing mandatory.

Will DR follow this trend?

Thanks for that!

I'll get right on it!

Don't mind quarantine though, assuming it is not done in some packed facility, my dawg wouldn't like that

With this country you cannot assume what quarentine may or may not be like!  no word yet on that.

"Foreign visitors arriving from July will not have to be quarantined"

https://www.arecoa.com/protagonistas/20 … uarentena/

.........She indicated that, once the border is open, the visitors that arrive will be few and therefore their average stay as well, so she does not believe that they should be exposed to a quarantine.

Rainieri announced that tourists who arrive will be able to leave the hotels, to share in the community and make excursions, as long as they are with formal tour companies that comply with the protocols.

She said, when interviewed on the program "Esta Noche Mariasela", last Friday, that the first tourists after the reopening will be of Dominican origin and "these will come to see relatives or simply to exercise their vote."..........

Good grief!!!!

I think the issue of visiting family members and property owners should be addressed

I asked Lily about the quarantine procedure  for returning citizens
She found out that the 14 days are at your home - not a gov't facility

The press releases on tourism suggest that all that is required is a temperature check on arrival for tourists.

How do they identify the non tourists, non Dominicans or without citizenship or residency who will go into the community? Other countries have pre flight forms to complete in order to get permission to fly with conditions. DR has nothing. It is just becoming open infection territory.

All I read from last night's Presidents speech is that the Health Ministry will be issuing new requriements in the coming days for managing the outbreak.

Hot news - yet another Caribbean island is going back on lock down becuase of new cases.

Which other Caribbean country is going into lock down?-You don't say which.  Thanks

Ducketts

Reality is that they are allowing  tourists from anywhere in.  That is ridiculous but reality.

Property owners and family - no cedula or residency then you are a tourist. Really simple.  Whatever applies to tourists applies to them.

Agreed........ that's the case , at this point
still no residents admitted

Stay tuned