President Luis Abinader Corona made the announcement at a press conference Tuesday outlining the new plan including being the first country in the world to utilize the rapid breathalyzer tests to detect COVID-19 upon entering the country.
Starting in September, the rapid COVID-19 breath tests will eliminate the requirement for travellers to get the invasive PCR test prior to travelling to the country.
“Our goal is to minimize the effects of the pandemic and facilitate a responsible recovery that prioritizes health, maximizes the potential for job creation and economic growth, and promotes the further sustainable development of the sector,” President of the Dominican Republic Luis Abinader Corona.
The second measure of the plan announced was the addition of free insurance for travelers if they should fall ill with COVID-19 during their stay.
The complimentary insurance will be available to travellers until December 2020 and offer the following:
Coverage for emergencies
Telemedicine
Lodging for extended stays due to an infection
Flight changes due to an infection
The insurance will be completely covered by the Dominican Republic government.
A new sanitary bubble is also being implemented which will require hotel staff to stay on site as long as possible and undergo constant testing for COVID-19.
“We are confident that together we will overcome the challenges of the pandemic and ensure that the Dominican Republic remains the number one destination in the region for international travelers who visit either for vacation, business, investment opportunities or returning to their preferred second home,” said Minster of Tourism, David Collado.
The Dominican Republic Government has said that the updated health and safety protocols are in the process of being approved by the World Travel and Tourism Council's (WTTC) Safe Travels program.
