Ferry services resumed by Dominican govt under strict COVID guidelines

The Dominican government on Tuesday announced that it is resuming ferry services to the neighbouring French island countries. The announcement was made by the – Parliamentary Secretary Chekira Lockhart-Hypolite, during a media conference, where she noted that this decision has been taken under strict COVID-19 guidelines. 

The services will reopen on a phased basis, and in the beginning phases, only 50 individuals will be permitted to disembark in Dominica, she noted. 

Following the COVID-19 outbreak, the Dominican government closed the ferry services in the month of March 2020. 

“Dominica is very happy to welcome back our neighbours via Ferry,” cited Parliamentary Secretary Chekira Lockhart-Hypolite during her address. 

Following the statement, she highlighted that Dominica is having a quite long history of social and trade connectivity with its neighbouring French islands through Ferry. 

Lockhart-Hypolite also noted that the “French islands contribute highly to stay-over visitors in Dominica,” adding that Dominica’s tourism department has worked closely with the health ministry to make sure that fresh COVID-19 health protocols are being introduced as the island resumes ferry services for its neighbouring states. 

Following are the COVID-19 travel protocols for the Ferry passengers arriving in Dominica – 

• They will be required to present a – negative RT-PCR test, which must be taken 72-hours prior to their arrival in Dominica. 
• Health notification of approval to travel to the island. 
• The passengers would also be required to complete a health questionnaire upon their arrival.
• To show their Vaccination certificate (if present)
• While the vaccinated travellers would have to undergo a rapid antigen test, and if tested negative, the individual will be declared as medically fit. 
• The non-vaccinated/unvaccinated passengers arriving in Dominica via Ferry would have to undergo a rapid antigen test, which will be followed by a five to seven days mandatory quarantine.