Santo Domingo, Jan. 20, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Dominican Government, through the Ministry of Tourism and Public Health, has announced new country-wide measures that it will begin offering free antigen testing to all international visitors staying at a hotel to meet the new Centers for Disease Control’s travel protocols requiring travelers as of January 26, 2021 returning to the U.S. to present proof of a negative COVID-19 or antigen test prior to departure.
Beginning on January 26, these rapid tests will be administered at no cost by technical health personnel at the hotels, and the test results will be certified by the Ministry of Health. From coast-to-coast hotels around the country are well prepared to assist their guests in coordinating their appointments as well as deliver their results.
The Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism (MITUR) highlighted that as of January 19 the current capacity of the laboratories is at 11,000 daily tests, which prioritizes attention to visitors and locals. In preparation for the forthcoming requirement over the next three weeks testing capacity will be increased by 40 percent to ensure that no traveler has issues returning to their outbound destination. At an additional cost, hotels will also offer PCR tests to all guests who request it.
“The Dominican Republic continues to be committed to offering a safe tourist experience, both for those who visit us and for all Dominicans who participate in the industry’s productive chain. For this reason, we are continuously revising the measures to offer our visitors the necessary facilities they may need to enjoy their vacation and return home with a peace of mind,” said David Collado, Minister of Tourism of the Dominican Republic.
In December 2020, MITUR announced the continuation of the free health coverage plan to March 31, 2021, for tourists arriving on commercial flights and staying at a hotel. The plan, which was originally set to cover tourists only through January 1, 2021, is effective from the moment of check-in at a hotel and covers all medical emergencies, including those caused in the event of an infection or exposure to COVID-19 while in-country, as well as this forthcoming offering of complimentary antigen testing.
This added testing offering is the most recent addition to the Responsible Tourism Recovery Plan underscoring MITUR’s commitment to excellence within the tourism industry, a driving force for the Dominican economy. With these measures, the Ministry of Tourism reaffirms its commitment to continued collaboration with the public and private sector to best ensure travelers safety as well as promote a sustainable recovery of the sector.
For more detailed protocol information visit the Traveler Information Center www.drtravelcenter.com, an interactive platform created by the Ministry of Tourism that addresses any concerns or questions travelers may have or visit MITUR’s official website www.godominicanrepublic.com.
###
About Dominican Republic
Well known for off-the-beaten-path excursions, rich culture, endless amenities and year-round perfect climate, Dominican Republic is a place like no other. Easily accessible via a direct flight from most major airports, it is an ideal oasis for celebrities, couples and families alike. From hiking trails to undiscovered beaches and world-class golf courses, here you can renew in our luxurious and diverse accommodations, explore ancient relics of centuries past, revel in Dominican fare, or enjoy ecotourism adventures in our magnificent national parks, mountain ranges and rivers.
Surrounded by the Caribbean Sea on the south and the Atlantic Ocean on the north, Dominican Republic features a variety of sports, recreation and entertainment options, exclusive cultural experiences like dancing, carnival festivities, plus Dominican specialties such as cigars, rum, chocolate, coffee, amber and larimar. Between adventurous Puerto Plata, lush Samaná, historic Santo Domingo, sunny Punta Cana, luxe La Romana, bustling Barahona and more, each area has something for every type of traveler and budget.
In addition to its uncharted experiences coast to coast, the country has also generated a worldwide reputation for its warm, and hospitable people. With eight international airports and nine distinct ecological zones it has never been more accessible or appealing to explore Dominican Republic. To learn more and begin planning your trip visit the Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism’s official website at: https://www.godominicanrepublic.com/
Download the Go Dominican Republic App, available in the App Store and Google Play
Follow us on Twitterand Instagram Like us on Facebook GoDominicanRepublic