Breaking News: Covid19 Vaccination Card Needed to Enter Public Places

Thank you for the info!

Interesting! We've been keeping ours sealed away from the humidity with our passports. I wonder if they have a process in place to replace cards that are lost, stolen or damaged from having to carry them everywhere.

I would definitely take a picture of them, most places in the US are accepting pictures of the cards as well. Either way, scan or digitize them in some way.

ddmcghee wrote:

Interesting! We've been keeping ours sealed away from the humidity with our passports. I wonder if they have a process in place to replace cards that are lost, stolen or damaged from having to carry them everywhere.

You like me have two cards. The original two shots and the booster card.

I will have photocopies and start with the original in hand and see how the photocopy works.

This is happening throughout the world now. It is the preferred way back to normality.

DR's vaccinate status is far too low at 45.16% as of today. It won't stop the new wave of infections in the medium term.

Most expats travelling are fully vaccinated so less impact on us than the general population here. And there is the PCR test option too.

They had to act once the state of emergency was going and it is popular amongst politicians of all parties and does not mandate vaccination.

As of now there is no law in place like this.

They will issue a decree under the Health Law shortly being a public health issue in the public interest.

Same as is the case with mask use and social distancing by Health Law decree.

Now how they police this and the fines is a matter that needs sorting out but this is a measure that has very broad political support so don't expect any hold ups. The politicians of all parties want this in lieu of state of emergency and curfew.

If you are thinking of getting vaccinated my advice is go soon to avoid queues with maybe 2.5 million unvaccinated and probably needing it now.

There are other measures involved including on alcohol sales  and can be read in this Listin Diatio article:

The Ministry of Public Health announced this Friday a series of new measures to be applied at the national level, hours after the Executive Branch announced the end of the curfew and the state of emergency.

These provisions are divided into two groups, those that will be applied as of next Monday and those that will enter into force on the 18th of this month.

Likewise, measures already in force are maintained, such as the mandatory use of a mask, hand hygiene and physical distancing in public spaces.

Those that will begin the following week are the requirement of a Public Health authorization to organize activities that involve crowding.

Likewise, establishments for public use may receive people up to 75% of their capacity.

In addition, they will prohibit the sale of alcoholic beverages in bars, discos, grocery stores, casinos and entertainment centers from Monday to Friday after midnight and on Saturdays and Sundays after 2 in the morning.

October 18

From this date, people over 12 years of age must present an identity document and their vaccination card with at least two doses of the Covid-19 vaccine, both in original and in a legible copy (physical or digital) to the corresponding public or private authority, if they wish to carry out the following activities:

To attend in person to workplaces with closed spaces and for collective use; to attend in person the study centers of all levels, whether public or private; if you want to use means of transport, be it urban or interurban.

The same to enter bars, discos, grocery stores, restaurants, clubs, shopping centers, casinos, shops or other entertainment centers.

What if they haven't been vaccinated?

Those who do not have the vaccination card, will have to repeatedly present an original PCR test that is negative and performed seven days before.

This measure will cease to apply 14 days after receiving the second dose of the vaccine, and in exceptional cases Public Health may grant special permits to those who cannot receive the vaccine for medical reasons.

After this announcement, the authorities also stressed that the falsification of the PCR cards or tests may be prosecuted and sanctioned in accordance with the Penal Code

What are tourists supposed to show to gain access to public places like grocery stores ?
Will the vaccination documents from their home countries be accepted ?

There are ten days for the details to be sorted out like those will foreign cerification.

Applying these rules will be hit and miss initially across the country especially in the smaller businesses but if there are the penalties they suggest then businesses will take note. For sure malls,governement offices, telephone companies, electricity companies and banks will comply as will say farmacies. It also puts pressure on business owners to make sure their staff are vaccinated.

If you are fully vaccinated you will not need to worry.

I don't see any impact on tourism rather the opposite giving confidence to visitors. And most toursits get vaccinated anyhow and the option will be for a PCR test as well which no doubt the government will foot the bill for.

I heard just today that they are vaccinating in schools everywhere including at the local ones nearby.

This is an effort to get everyone vaccinated and they will be visiting homes throughout the country too and be visting night venues as well.

If you are an unvaccinated expat living here, general life activity is going to become much more challenging after the 18th October and because it is not our country we can't complain at what they are doing.

It is now law with a Health Law resolution now in place.

Falsification of vaccination cards and PCR tests will be penalized with imprisonment of up to 10 years

The Dominican Penal Code establishes the sanction in article 147

The falsification of vaccination cards, PCR tests for COVID-19 and special permits from the Ministry of Public Health will be sanctioned with coercion measures ranging from three to 10 years in prison , in accordance with the provisions of the Dominican Penal Code.

The Ministry of Public Health issued resolution MSP 000048 on Friday , which contains the measures in place, before the lifting of the state of emergency, to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

In the aforementioned resolution, the Ministry informs that “the falsification of vaccination cards, PCR tests for COVID-19 and the special permits of the Ministry of Public Health and Social Assistance (MISPAS) required in this article may be prosecuted and sanctioned in accordance with the provisions of the Penal Code of the Dominican Republic ”.

Article 147 of the Penal Code establishes that "any other person who commits falsehood in authentic or public deed will be punished with the penalty of three to ten years of imprisonment."

Health authorities reported that businesses that detect a possible false card must report it to the authorities for investigation purposes.

After the lifting of the State of Emergency, Public Health reported that the country is still under endemic alert and in this sense, ordered that the vaccination card with two doses be required for the entire population over 12 years of age to be able to attend in person to the work centers, public and private educational centers at all levels, as well as places of public use.

In this sense, as of October 18, people must present their vaccination certificate to enter bars, restaurants, supermarkets, shops, gyms, sports and entertainment centers, work and study centers. The measure also includes public, urban and interurban transport.

Sanctions for establishments

In the event that the establishments violate these provisions, the Public Health resolution indicates that they may lead to the temporary closure of the place, in accordance with article 149 of Law 42-01, General Health.

Jetlag69 wrote:

What of people that received a J&J vaccine that is only 1 shot?

It is recognized as a one shot covid19 vaccine by WHO so should be accepted. Just carry the documentation to confirm.

All this does is destroy more businesses (ie NYC restaurants are down 60% since enforcing it).

If the vaccine does work why do you need it to force others to take it when your 'supposedly' protected and still need a booster? And another booster in six months and keep the list going...

The reality is your own health condition should determine whether you should need it...

And the funny part is in this day and age they issue you a paper card to show you have been vaccinated...

Sorry DRvisitor.

This is DR not USA.

It is their decision and we have no say.

Their policy since vaccines became avaialble was to vaccinate everybody and buy what could be bought to do so and free to everybody.

Some of us are fully supportive. Some aren't.

We are guests. And there still is choice but with consequences.

And you have a PCR test choice too as a tourist.

lennoxnev wrote:

I believe this is a DR forum?

So keep yourself in box and not look at world effects and causes.

You can tout how everyone needs vaccine in DR but when people cant put food on the table and destroy your house because they are hungry we will see how it looks...

Honestly the politics of the USA confuse.

You guys happlily get vaccinated for every infection under the sun plus annual corona flu jabs yet when a serious viral infection worldwide comes along it, politics gets involved and your own personal rights rather than society at large.

We are living in DR and I dont give a toss about your politics but I do care about my Dominican family and friends and accept the governments decision to end the state of emergency and in its place place controls for a return to near normality.

And the fact that the US government lobbied by big pharm denies you choice of vaccine is not our problem. Here in DR we now have  deactivated viris, viral vector and mRN. Better than no choice given to you.

Stop being so selfish and be more considerate to your hosts.

Rant over.

What facts can you prove near normailty will return with controls?

I would give you facts from other countries but this is a DR forum.

Also, where are you getting your information that you don't have choice of vaccines in the US. You can get at least three different or two different viral types.

"Here in DR we now have  deactivated viris, viral vector and mRN. Better than no choice given to you. " You really believe majority of people know the difference between what you mentioned? But we need controls but at least you have a choice of vaccine...

I am not against the vaccine but believe in your own choice to decide.

Let's move past this please.

Unless you have citizenship you have NO say.  We can observe and consider our options and choose what to do.

Now those choices have consequences.

planner wrote:

Let's move past this please.

Unless you have citizenship you have NO say.  We can observe and consider our options and choose what to do.

Now those choices have consequences.

Do you believe any citizen had any say in this and made a difference? Maybe you can direct me to where the public was able to vote on it...

They voted in the last election, clearly and loudly they voted!

We as expats have zero say!

Let's move on please.

It really doesn't matter, look at how the general population including businesses in the RD follow the law, no matter what law it is. It will be like anything else, some will follow the rules, some will not. This is a simple concept, you can't force free persons to do anything they don't want to, all in the name of 1) The Government or 2) Public Safety. Most Governments are oppressive and Public Safety is not Individual liberty. Whatever your beliefs are, YOU don't have any say in any of this, PERIOD.

Just take the damn vaccine and carry the card with you. Simple. If this conflicts with your political views then live somewhere more acceptable to you. There must be somewhere in the world where personal choice outweighs the health and safety of the community at large (i.e. it's not a problem until it happens to me). Hmm...let me think. I know I'm cranky before my first cup in the morning, but the "it's my choice" whining has gotten pathetic.

RockyM wrote:

Just take the damn vaccine and carry the card with you. Simple. If this conflicts with your political views then live somewhere more acceptable to you. There must be somewhere in the world where personal choice outweighs the health and safety of the community at large (i.e. it's not a problem until it happens to me). Hmm...let me think. I know I'm cranky before my first cup in the morning, but the "it's my choice" whining has gotten pathetic.

Why do you care if someone takes it if your protected? Perhaps you should shop at only places that you know all staff are vaccinated. Let me know how the results are.

We all have freedom and rights and every Dominican (and resident expats too) has a right to good health too and in this case the whole community should be the beneficiaries.

It is not as though one is not being given a choice.

Actually you are being given many choices and vaccination is not mandatory.

Look at those choices you have here in DR and ask yourself if they stand up to those which are available elsewhere:

- you can get vaccinated with a mRNA vaccine
- you can get vaccinated with a vector viral vaccine
- you can get vaccinated with a deactivated virus vaccine
- you can get a booster
- you can get a mix and match vaccination
- all those 12 and over can get vaccinated
- shortly all those 5 and above will be able to get vaccinated
- all vaccinations are free including boosters

and for the unvaccinated:

- you can change your mind and get vaccinated now
- you can openly buy drugs advertised on social media as rememdies if you do get infected such as a horse parasitic medication or chloroquine
- you can do nothing and hope some colmados/small outlets will not comply and you can carry on buying groceries etc.
- you can emply someone to do all your chores requiring visits to public buildings, government, malls and supermarkets etc.
- you can get a PCR test to enter these permises in lieu of a vaccination certificate
- you can relocate out of DR or not visit DR for the time being
- you can belly ache to your hearts content on social media and forums like this one

Everybody asks for choice - your freedom to do what you want - and as above you have got it.

For the unvacinated - how about we discuss Dominican citizens and not expats. Do they have to pay for a pcr test? Can they relocate out of DR?

Yes, the health of Dominican society is the more important freedom of rights in this case.....by far. Being a legal resident I am part of that society.

Being a tourist you have the freedom of choices I so described above - al of them

DRVisitor wrote:

Why do you care if someone takes it if your protected?

I'll tell you why I care - because I'm tired of seeing people die needlessly from a virus that can be prevented, or at least diminished in severity. I'm also tired of hearing of people being turned away at hospitals because the beds are full of COVID patients. I'm tired of people I know and love having surgeries and procedures rescheduled because COVID patients are depleting resources (human, physical, medical, etc.). I'm tired of hearing of more and more variants to this virus, each more deadly than the last. I'm tired of attending weddings and funerals via Facebook Live because crowds can be dangerous whether we are vaccinated or not.

I understand that many people here work in the informal economy - they don't get sick days, they can't work from home, they can't afford to keep getting tested, so having another incentive for them to get vaccinated is a good thing! It's free to them and can help ensure they don't miss out on future income.

I also understand that when people here get sick, most go to the public hospitals, which means the government is footing the bill. I would much rather have them spending their limited budget on education, infrastructure, and preventative medicine rather than treating people who ignore the recommendations of the government they depend on!

As Lennox said, you have choices! There is not (yet!) a vaccine mandate. And as your screenname confirms, you are a VISITOR here. If you don't like what the DR government is doing, you are free to go home.

This is not the end of the world and there will be work arounds in small communities such as Sosua an Las Terrenas and in the campo.

But it will become more challenging dealing with government and national service industries and buying through larger outlets especially in the cities and developed areas of the country.

And if you think that this sort of restriction is not going to spread worldwide more and more and maybe on airlines soon, you are deceiving yourself. 

And I am someone who has avoided jabs throughout my life travelling to more than 50 countries and working within some and have had very few jabs but found the Sinovac innoculation non evasive and with zero side effects. When I was young needles were gross. Not so now you don't feel a thing.

Social media is alight with the same loud voices with their selfish and often politicised agendas.

Rocky has summed it all as above  - take the damn vaccine.

We don't need an article from another country to tell us that vaccination does not solve the problem.

But we do know from here (DR) that vaccination stops serious illness and hospitalisation and a very serious impact on Dominican hospitals.

And that is all that matters - what the effect will be HERE in DR.

If you had found time to read the full resolution it also contains other health measures and they begin immediately and we will see if there is any better compliance and enforcement.

DR is going into a rough place until the New Year and the more controls in place without curfew - as was sought by the majority - is the governments chosen way forward.

Todays bulletin reinforces the continued upward spread of the virus and positivity throughout the nation.

DR has done pretty damn well for a developing nation so far in this pandemic so no point deflecting the discussion to other countries - please.

This is going to stop or I will shut the entire  thread down.

I am the moderator and its my job to keep it on track.

There will be no discussion of "other countries"  keep it on topic. 

There will be no name calling or alluding to  the elites.

EVERYONE is entitled to their opinion but there will be no  spreading of misinformation! IF you cannot back it up then just stop spreading the information. 

Stay on track please. 

IF YOU WANT A NO HOLDS BARRED THREAD THEN  ASK AND I WILL  CREATE ONE.  I will allow one thread, one place where you can all have at it and the rest of us can  just stay away.  Go ahead and spread the disinformation and call each other names. BUT ALL OTHER THREADS WILL NOT BE DOING THIS.

Who will explain to me why I can fly into DR any which way I would like but when I leave I need a negative test + to most countries and vaccination is meaningless?

DRVisitor wrote:

Who will explain to me why I can fly into DR any which way I would like but when I leave I need a negative test + to most countries and vaccination is meaningless?

Because each country makes their own rules?   Not sure what point you're trying to make.

ddmcghee wrote:

DRVisitor wrote:

Who will explain to me why I can fly into DR any which way I would like but when I leave I need a negative test + to most countries and vaccination is meaningless?

Because each country makes their own rules?   Not sure what point you're trying to make.

You are going to restrict public places but let anyone come into your airport. Airport is not public place entity?

Because over 90% of tourists go to their pre booked hotel and don't venture out and comply with the health protocols at the hotels and at departure to their home destination.

Airports are privately owned in large part in DR by Vinci and Punta Cana Group.

Of course the government could change the tourism protocols on health grounds but I am doubting that at ths point.

Oh I get it screw over the working poor of the country but let the people with money into the country and assume people coming in the country are not bringing in covid.90% of travelers to Santo Domingo airport are tourists?

Glad you subscribe to the double standards.

Lennox, no offense but this is not a black and white country.  The only colour that exists here is gray and if anyone disagrees with that then there is a very good chance you don't belong in the DR.  IMHO.

I only say that because I see the gray every day and I see how this country operates on the inside.  Politics is just a blanket but you have to look underneath to see what is being covered.  IMHO

Vaccination against COVID-19 is reactivated due to prohibition of access to places

https://www.expat.com/forum/viewtopic.p … 80#5259405

hose in charge of vaccination centers of the National District note an increase in the number of people who attended this Saturday to be vaccinated against the coronavirus disease.

The attendance of people in previous days was lower, compared to today, according to Dr. Ceyli de la Rosa, responsible for the point at the Olympic Center. The doctor attributed the increase to the government's announcement to prohibit access to workplaces or public transport to those who do not have the two doses of the injection. This measure will take effect on October 18.

De la Rosa reported that this morning more first and third doses were applied, both in minors and in adults.

Lets stick to the news and the topics and perhaps you, DRVistor and StanR can stop the personal attacks as your only means of debating the subject matter I post. This is not DR1 and I don't think planner or Julien and his team will tolerate the personnal attacks much more.

There is plenty of new and really interesting news developments each day now in DR and the stale grey incompetences maybe are coming to an end. And maybe by living in the real DR life I can see this more clearly than those living in tourist bubbles.

Why do you consider it attacks when you post this?

"Rocky has summed it all as above  - take the damn vaccine."

If you have facts I will listen rather than your biased opinion.