Dominican Republic scrapping mandatory Covid tests, offering free insurance
The Dominican Republic has announced a couple of new measures to help lure more travelers.
From the end of next month it is eliminating the need for pre-entry Covid-19 PCR negative tests and will instead implement random testing on arrival.
This includes diagnostic breath tests.
Guests staying at hotels will receive a free travel insurance plan covering emergencies, telemedicine, and costs toward an extended stay and flight changes in the event of an infection.
It is valid for all guests until December 2020.
"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," Dominican Republic President Luis Abinader Corona said.
All hotels will operate a ‘sanitary bubble’ with employees regularly tested and required to follow strict protocols when entering and leaving the properties.
The new measures will be managed by the tourism ministry under the direction of new Tourism Minister David Collado.
"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," Collado said.
Written by Ray Montgomery, US editor
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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