The Executive Director of the Presidential COVID-19 Committee explained to global tourism operators how the country managed to successfully contain the spread of coronavirus.

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC – June 9, 2020 – In a webinar organized by the Ministry of Tourism of Dominican Republic and the Association of Hotels and Tourism of Dominican Republic (ASONAHORES), Dr. Amado Alejandro Báez, Executive Director of the Presidential COVID-19 Committee, invited tourism industry members to reactivate commercialization of Dominican Republic, explaining the measures taken by the country for effective control of the coronavirus epidemic that have made it a success story at a regional level.

“The success of the country’s response to the coronavirus lies in three fundamental factors: public/private integration of the measures implemented, strategic and operational development at a local level, and the intelligent deployment of technological solutions,” said Dr. Báez.

During his presentation, Dr. Báez mentioned that the Public Value Model in Crisis, which capitalizes on public-private synergies in the health sector and other areas, carried out its pilot tests in Duarte province, which at the time had the highest rate of infections and mortality. Fourteen days after implementing this model, the epidemiology began to change and today Duarte will be the first province in the country completely free of coronavirus.

“To those considering visiting Dominican Republic, I would say the sacrifices that the country has made demonstrates the seriousness in which the government and the people prioritized the containment of the virus. The results we see is an epidemiological control, a flattening of the curve and a guarantee for all who visit us that our health system is perfectly prepared to take care of any eventuality during their trip, whether related to coronavirus or not,” stated the Minister of Tourism Francisco Javier García.

The Dominican health system has demonstrated its ability to cope with COVID-19, as technological solutions and information platforms have avoided saturation of hospitals and have worked to provide citizens with an optimal response. Through the Epidemiological Intelligence Fusion Center, solutions are generated by integrating mathematical models and artificial intelligence in processes ranging from epidemiological evaluations and test reports to allocation of resources for hospital capacity.

The use of technological resources, dashboard-type platforms with predictive models that, through artificial intelligence, allow accurate mapping, even with geolocation, thus allowing to understand how the epidemic is progressing in each of the country’s areas and contain the spread of the virus, has been vital in providing optimal response and effective control of the virus in the country.

In addition, the development of the COVID-19 mobile phone application has allowed citizens to view data on the virus in the country, report symptoms, and get bulletins from the Ministry of Public Health in real-time. A contact tracking system created by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) was integrated into this app, which allows an intelligent deployment of resources and adequate prevention.

Tourists visiting Dominican Republic will be invited to download the app that will work as a passport in which, through a QR code, visitors can report their condition and access many services and information. These optional solutions reinforce the safety of those who visit the country and will help provide a calm and healthy vacation experience.

“Within the hotel industry, our priority has always been the well-being of everyone who visits us, which is why we continue to strengthen our health security measures in preparation for the reopening of tourism within the country starting July 1”, said Paola Rainieri, President of the Association of Hotels and Tourism of the Dominican Republic (ASONAHORES).

Representatives from Mayo Clinic, an institution that collaborates closely with Dominican Republic in relation to quality and certification processes in different areas, also participated in the webinar. Additionally, there was the participation of the Senior Vice President of the World Travel & Tourism Council, Maribel Rodriguez, who highlighted the importance of carrying out sanitary control actions and having global standards and protocols so that travelers know what to expect during their visit.

Dr. Baez has a specialty in public health, emergency, and intensive care and, as a presidential adviser on health issues, coordinates the actions for the prevention, treatment, and monitoring of the coronavirus. He also heads the International Council of Advisors created by the Dominican government, which includes experts from Harvard, George Washington, Barcelona, and Maryland universities and experts from Latin America along with Dominican specialized associations and the Santo Domingo Health Cluster.

For the latest updates on COVID-19 and travel in Dominican Republic, visit: www.GoDominicanRepublic.com For more information on hotels, attractions, activities and to begin planning your Dominican adventure, please visit www.GoDominicanRepublic.com.

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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: www.GoDominicanRepublic.com.

Download the Go Dominican Republic App, available in the App Store and Google Play

CONTACT:

BVK Public Relations for DR Ministry of Tourism

Annie Holschuh, US PR Director

(414) 247-2140 / annie.holschuh@bvk.com

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