Dominica govt allows bars, gyms and gaming places to open from September 8

The government of Dominica announced to reopen restaurants, bars, gyms and gaming establishments from September 8, 2021.

Dominica: The government of Dominica announced to reopen restaurants, bars, gyms and gaming establishments from September 8, 2021. The decision on phased reopening of Dominica was taken at the Cabinet meeting held on Tuesday.

Restaurants are allowed to reopen for dining. Gyms, gaming establishments and bars are also allowed to reopen for business. Bazar to open only for bridges and pick up and there shall be no music, congregating or consumption of alcohol on the premises.

“Cabinet approved further amendments to the Environmental Health Services (COVID-19) Regulations S.R. & O 26 of 2021 to take effect from Wednesday, September 8, 2021,” the statement read.

Additionally, the government announced that all nightclubs will remain closed during this time. Businesses will be subject to monitoring by the Ministry of Health, Wellness and New Health Investment. All the protocols will be circulated for the information of businesses and the public.

“The public is encouraged to practice all safety measures to reduce the risk of infection and to get tested and vaccinated to prevent the spread of COVID-19.”

Cabinet decision added that reopening is subject to adherence to strict health and safety protocols, including physical distancing, sanitising of hands, wearing of masks, and other protocols to be published by the Chief Medical Officer.

Following the spike in COVID-19 cases in the country, efficient contact tracing and timely isolation have led Dominica to stem the spread of the COVID-19 virus. However, the Ministry of Health reported additional 68 positive cases of coronavirus, but over 89 persons were discharged on the same day. There are currently a total of 494 active cases of COVID-19 and the number is now following a downward trend.

Expedition of testing and safety protocols has helped people to get the time for vaccinations. Over 22,842 persons in nature island are vaccinated and soon, the government will announce the roll-out of the Pfizer vaccine to include children under the national vaccination programme.