Considering a visit - leaning toward staying put - Dominican Republic forum

Considering a visit - leaning toward staying put

8POSTS

5 years ago

Hello,

My name is Steve. I currently live in the middle of the USA where covid is pretty rampant and has been severely mishandled. I have been able to avoid it so far. I am very much in need of a getaway right now. I have a home on Bonaire and planned to go there next week but they closed the border again last week. With good reason, I understand, and as it is to be my long-term home I definitely want it to be healthy.

That being said, since I need a getaway I started looking at alternatives for a diver and DR came up looking like a good place. I have had a short private chat with a very helpful member of the group and done some reading around the forums, as well as having chatted with some locals. I am just looking for verification of my understanding of the situation and I suspect that here would be the place to get the most reliable information as I believe that most people here would understand my situation and be helpful, having nothing to gain by giving mis-information (as I suspect I got from my travel agent).

It looks as though the CV-19 situation is actually pretty bad there and if I did anything other than diving and isolating I would very possibly be exposing myself to infection, not to mention the chances of picking it up in an airport on my way there and passing it on to anyone I come in contact with.聽 If that is the case I feel that I may not benefit much by leaving my living room here in the US and the risks will outweigh the benefits. Any input/insight will be greatly appreciated.

See also

Leisure in Santo Domingo - Guide
Considering Relocation - 2 Replies
Staying Extension - 9 Replies
Considering moving to the DR from Canada - 6 Replies
Considering relocating to DR but where? - 16 Replies
Staying a couple of places at the beach - 1 Reply
Considering moving to Punta Cana area - 14 Replies

Krumite Contributor

145POSTS

5 years ago

Hello Steve : I am also in the middle in the northern part of Texas , there is a lot of hype around every where and yes potentially I was mishandled this whole thing. Personally here I have my house sold and looking forward to relocate to D.R. permanently it looks that we both are in the same called " risk age group" I checked here locally for the vaccines in my region in Denton County and they will not arrive for the next 2 weeks , is just supply and demand. In 2 weeks time I will be in D.R. with my wife enjoying the food and local culture and naturally wearing a mask and keeping聽 the distance. I do need to take the covid test 24 hrs prior to departure , but I am really not that worry about it as I keep my immune system robust and I do not drink alcohol maybe that helps. Hopefully you will get there and enjoy your time . check with the local expat member to see if they have a link for the D.R. English version of their local newspapers. Many Blessing . Krumite ( Jose )

1 member reacted to this post

BassistMurf New member

8POSTS

5 years ago

Great idea, thanks! I do receive the paper daily from my future home. I don't know why I didn't think about that for a vacation. Thank you. Good luck to you and your wife on building a wonderful new life in paradise!

Krumite Contributor

145POSTS

5 years ago

It looks that a member lennoxnev posted the link for the local newspaper, it would be nice if you will find the English version of it ? I do read Spanish and 2 more languages but that is me. Hopefully some one has the link for the English version. Blessing my friend . JOSE = Krumite

Krumite Contributor

145POSTS

5 years ago

Thank you Steve , we will be there for many reasons and primarily for a change we both need it , Stay in touch and if we meet each other down there or here " MI casa es su casa " . I can tell you more over the years one become a citizen of the world and is all about all of us , specially of not so normal times like these. Blessings : krumite " do not fear as the angels are always by your side !!! "

planner Dominican Republic Expert

17772POSTS

5 years ago

As something be who lives here I will confirm that covid is not under control.聽 In some areas you get good adherence with the rules and in other areas not at all.聽

It's a risk to come here. It's a risk to get on a plane.聽聽Only you can decide if the risk is worth it.聽 The govt here isn't stopping anyone from coming.

ducketts Serial expat

534POSTS

5 years ago

I been travelling聽 to DR every year since 2014.聽 Last year we were stuck for 6 months due to Covid.

Considering that Covid is still widespread in most countries around the world. I for one would not go back to DR until this matter is hugely under control.聽 And that's saying that having had my vaccination.聽 We miss the place but the risks are far too high.

1 member reacted to this post

Krumite Contributor

145POSTS

5 years ago

Planner I do respect your opinion but is really everywhere , I do not know if you were ever told that you are safer on an aircraft than driving in some U.S. highway ? Dominican need the revenue as it part of their lives , Canada just recently stop cruise ships from arriving on their ports it could be wise, that I do not know ? the whole equation is not easy for no government at all. I am a Christian and I will take the necessary protections , Believe in our abilities as a human race not perfect, and聽 with a lot of contradictions but is our world. The best posture attempt to foresee what in the world could happen next than we all contribute to prevent it or stop it. World economies has never faced anything like this, but there is always a first time. Maybe this will lead all of us to look at the areas that we are alike and placed our differences as a human race on a secondary plane ? BLESSING Sincerely Krumite !!

planner Dominican Republic Expert

17772POSTS

5 years ago

All your assumptions are based on what you know about your country. I know this one. I know that here steps are skipped and you don't know what you are getting into!聽聽You don't know if tests were actually checked before people got in the plane. You don't know if things are actually cleaned and sterilized.聽 Our rate of positivity a is still around 20%聽聽in the US you all go crazy at 8%!聽 Here it's just another day.

In many places no masks no social distancing and oh hey, what curfew.聽 I am quite fed up with it frankly.聽

People here are suffering.聽 People everywhere are suffering.聽 The only way this will get better is to stop the spread, stop the replication and get vaccinated.聽 Seriously until then I am pretty much staying home!聽 I only leave for critical reasons!

BassistMurf New member

8POSTS

5 years ago

#10

Krumite wrote:
Thank you Steve , we will be there for many reasons and primarily for a change we both need it , Stay in touch and if we meet each other down there or here " MI casa es su casa " . I can tell you more over the years one become a citizen of the world and is all about all of us , specially of not so normal times like these. Blessings : krumite " do not fear as the angels are always by your side !!! "

Thank you much sir. Yes, I am just starting to learn of being a global citizen. I grew up believing what I was taught about the world being a scary place and that the rest of the world hated us in US. I didn't ever leave this country until a couple years ago because of it but I quickly began to learn how errant my understanding of the world was. I now have people I consider friends in a few countries and look forward to making more. :-)

WillieWeb ViP

1660POSTS

5 years ago

#11

I find the protocols to be observed relatively well.....
and have no fears moving about safely

But don't take my word for it.
Here's a travel writer's take on the DR

1 member reacted to this post

mwboneal New member

5POSTS

5 years ago

#12

I teach kids in the mountains and travel back and forth every month for the last 4 years... Be careful but do not spend another few years in your living room brother...聽 Get out and live your life... Be careful but live your life聽

1 member reacted to this post

StanR Serial expat

337POSTS

5 years ago

#13

mwboneal wrote:
I teach kids in the mountains and travel back and forth every month for the last 4 years... Be careful but do not spend another few years in your living room brother...聽 Get out and live your life... Be careful but live your life聽

I totally agree. I spent 2020 traveling to many places. I observed that where ever I had traveled to, the majority are handling this pandemic the same, including here in DR. If you are waiting for this to blow over. Make sure you have plenty of movies to watch in your basement. The only way out of this is when everyone thinks for themselves instead of thinking what they are told to think.

1 member reacted to this post

Krumite Contributor

145POSTS

5 years ago

#14

As vaccines raise hope, cold reality dawns: COVID-19 is likely here to stay
Governments and businesses are starting to accept that the coronavirus isn鈥檛 a temporary problem and instead will lead to long-term changes enabling society to co-exist with Covid-19, as it does with flu, measles and HIV.
***

Moderated by Priscilla 5 years ago
Reason : no external links please

1 member reacted to this post

Steverino7777 Serial expat

258POSTS

5 years ago

#15

I agree with Planner. Dominicans in La Romana are packed into buses and taxis going to work every day if they still have a job. The spread continues to overwhelm the healthcare system here...

Krumite Contributor

145POSTS

5 years ago

#16

Thank you my friend : I can tell you for myself , my wife is from the country of Latvia, my mother in law which is like my mother is Polish speaks Polish and Latvian , I do not speak either one of those languages I only speak , English , Spanish and Italian , I fly to Latvia 3 times a year and never feel out of place, the food I like, somehow we both communicate well . Look at all of us here like potentially what is happening in D.R. we all want more results from government , less taxes more freedom and less responsibilites . The internet which is a technological marble for everyone is there even worldwide news we get it instantly good and bad , there is a lot of fear out there rather than understanding more where is coming from and who we are as people . My level of christianity have allowed me to be more confident in me humanity and believe that all these things will go away or we will adjust to it. My very own personal opinion is that we have attempted to cash in on some of the world problems, for every problem in our world a new business is created instead of anticipating those problems in order to achieve greater level of sustainability for everyone. Be blessed have confidence in yourself all the time. Krumite

1 member reacted to this post

WillieWeb ViP

1660POSTS

5 years ago

#17

I don't see it escalating badly - even abating some

The view from Sto Dom, Santiago and other hot spots might be tainted....
Probably many breaches of protocol.

Is that representative of the country in general ?

Hospitals and ICU's are below 50% - last time I read the reports
Not that dire

1 member reacted to this post

planner Dominican Republic Expert

17772POSTS

5 years ago

#18

Krumite please stay on topic.聽 This is the DR keep it on topic please.

Willie -. SD is 50% of more of the population.聽 Add in Santiago and we have a serious reflection of the country.聽聽The campos and small town do not actually reflect what is going on.

To understand hospital % remember they added beds the get the % down.聽 Then look at where beds are available to truly understand the seriousness.

1 member reacted to this post

StanR Serial expat

337POSTS

5 years ago

#19

I would be curious to know what the percentages of hospitals beds today compare to same time 2019.

1 member reacted to this post

Krumite Contributor

145POSTS

5 years ago

#20

these are good news Willieweb . thanks krumite, the percentage basis please compare it with other regions and you will see the difference

1 member reacted to this post

Krumite Contributor

145POSTS

5 years ago

#21

Planner allow meet ask you ; are you the custodian or owner of this site ? and please reply .

WillieWeb ViP

1660POSTS

5 years ago

#22

planner wrote:
Krumite please stay on topic.聽 This is the DR keep it on topic please.

Willie -. SD is 50% of more of the population.聽 Add in Santiago and we have a serious reflection of the country.聽聽The campos and small town do not actually reflect what is going on.

To understand hospital % remember they added beds the get the % down.聽 Then look at where beds are available to truly understand the seriousness.

50 % or not..... observing the protocol is what we're talking
Clearly, the larger the group that disobeys - the larger the resulting problem

As for increasing beds - same argument
Capacity is the key - new or not
Capability..... to handle the pandemic

Would you rather no new beds - when your turn might come !!?

If they can control SD & STI..... more than 1/2 the population
they can control the problem

Won't be done.... big cities are designed to maximize occupancy

Ask Lennox why he left SD

1 member reacted to this post

Krumite Contributor

145POSTS

5 years ago

#23

I am ok with all this and surely do not want to see anyone hurt by it . I posted a comment on from Wall Street journal about how it will be viewed in the future meaning covid and immediately went into review . I just asked if anyone is the owner of this site, or board of directors if any ? simply because I want to know and that is all , no harm intended to no one just a question. I disagree with the gloom and doom scenario but that is my opinion . I did not join this site to tell anyone what to do or to tell someone do not come here etc. but that is my opinion . be safe at least you are enjoying better weather than here and I am really happy for you all . Krumite

BassistMurf New member

8POSTS

5 years ago

#24

WillieWeb wrote:
I find the protocols to be observed relatively well.....
and have no fears moving about safely

But don't take my word for it.
Here's a travel writer's take on the DR

Thank you. I was thinking of visiting Punta XCana. I would like to do a little scuba but I don't want to spend my other time in isolation. I could just dive and isolate right here (in the basement woth movies LOL). I want to be able to get out and experience the local culture and meet/mingke with local people. In hopes of building friendships to feel like more of a global citizen. If I can't do that without endangering people I want to wait. I'm not trying to have others "tell me what to do or think" as has been suggested. I just want to be a caring and responsible individual and not put my own desires ahead of the greater good.

1 member reacted to this post

planner Dominican Republic Expert

17772POSTS

5 years ago

#25

My comment regarding聽 % occupancy of beds is simple math.聽 If there are 100'beds and 80 are full it's 80% and when you add another 50 beds then the % occupancy drops.聽 The government literally created more hospital beds.聽聽

I am not suggesting they should not do that.聽 Am suggesting considering % occupancy may be creating a false sense of security.

I agree control SD and Santiago and you control very much the spread.聽 And this is where most of the disorderly behaviour is.聽聽 If you are not in those cities seeing it or following it on social media you may have a different sense if what is going on.

And it's understand why Lennox left SD.聽 I have 5 businesses here in SD or I would not stay in the big city either.

Krumite - this is not my site.聽 I am the moderator and have been for about 14 years.聽 I enforce the rules as set by the owner.聽 I do my best to keep things on track and on topic.聽聽I am an unpaid volunteer and do my best to be fair and reasonable.聽 And, I too have my opinions.

1 member reacted to this post

WillieWeb ViP

1660POSTS

5 years ago

#26

Planner

Well.... not to disagree
But for me - perhaps others- more beds gives me more assurance

It's not false security -- it IS security !!!
How better to deal with a pandemic..... adapt to it !!
Prepare and react !

Staying away from the larger populations..... and life is better
Hospital beds available usually.... care taken in protocols

I am amazed - daily - at the mask wearing in my area
They all wear them..... even when out alone picking mangoes in a field
They wear them - perhaps w/o knowing why.... but wear them , nonetheless

When we had a spike here in MTSanchez....
it was from families visiting from SD & STI over Christmas

Stop inter-provincial travel
It worked before.... but I hate it !!

1 member reacted to this post

BassistMurf New member

8POSTS

5 years ago

#27

planner wrote:
I am not suggesting they should not do that.聽 Am suggesting considering % occupancy may be creating a false sense of security.

I agree control SD and Santiago and you control very much the spread.聽 And this is where most of the disorderly behaviour is.聽聽 If you are not in those cities seeing it or following it on social media you may have a different sense if what is going on.

Does anyone have the data on Punta Cana?

WillieWeb ViP

1660POSTS

5 years ago

#28

try this

1 member reacted to this post

Krumite Contributor

145POSTS

5 years ago

#29

ok Planner ladies first is ok . stay positive and honestly enjoy the good weather , you owe it to yourself . Krumite

DRVisitor Serial expat

772POSTS

5 years ago

#30

I am back and forth to Punta Cana area once a month for most part. It all comes to down to your own views on the situation.

I skipped this month with the new testing required to enter US but will return in few weeks.

For me it is the peace and relaxation it provides.

1 member reacted to this post

Guest2022 Guest

0POSTS

5 years ago

#31

Yesterday there were 59 new cases reported in La Altagracia province which includes Bavaro, Punta Cana and Higuey. There were 66 new cases reported in La Romana province the adjacent province. The positivities were 11.37% and 16.16% respectively - lower than the national averages because the hotel staff are getting tested regularly.

Like most other countries DR has widespread community spread which is more evident in the cities and towns where people are in contact with each other. Accept that the reported 1,250 new cases yesterday is a low reflection of the actual situation with this being a 'young' country where many people are riding out the symptoms at home. And to focus attention, multiply todays 1,250 by 30 and double for unreported positives and you get a comparison with the USA...a comparative daily figure of 70k to compare.

There were 30 deaths reported yesterday and there are 293 people in ICU and 153 on ventilators. it was reported that about 60% of those going into ICU die. That probably reflects that the majority of hospital beds are public and expats should be looking at the good private hospital occupancies which are limited.

Other western countries will begin to see the situation ease as vaccination kicks in. Not so for DR where observance of the controls is diminishing and getting more lax and we will have to wait maybe six more months for vaccinations to take an effect and by then the South African virus will be rampant and we will be waiting for new vaccines to handle it.

Sorry to be so grim, but I foresaw that city life was not a good fit with covid19 and moved to a place where I have less close interactions with people. Drove to the city today to do some shopping and it stands out that the controls are not full especially outside the commercial areas and much less so as you go back through the campo and see the bars, colmados and drinks full of customers from early in the day enjoying DRs success at baseball yesterday.

That said if you want to take a vacation, DR is there to be considered if you evaluate the risks. I live here with no real concerns without vaccine and have done my risk assessment and I am enjoying a free life.

3 members reacted to this post

Krumite Contributor

145POSTS

5 years ago

#32

Well said Willyweb , krumite

ducketts Serial expat

534POSTS

5 years ago

#33

In a very simple nutshell.聽 Anyone thinking of travelling anywhere should think again.

The virus, is kicking and very much alive now with over 500 variants.聽 I've had my first vaccination with a second in 10 days.聽 But I won't travel this year at least.聽 Of course it's everyone choice but I urge people think this through carefully.

As for the DR figures, from what I see from various posts things are not much better than when I was there last July.聽 I think patience is important. I too am desperate to come back to the Caribbean.

1 member reacted to this post

planner Dominican Republic Expert

17772POSTS

5 years ago

#34

Really good point - it's not just the beds available it's which type of bed and where!聽聽As I understand it all private covid hospital beds are full or close to full.聽 That limits the care.聽 Insurance won't do you any good if there is no bed available in a private hospital.

Yes, each if us has to do our own risk assessment and manage our lives accordingly.

WillieWeb ViP

1660POSTS

5 years ago

#35

I think it鈥檚 fair to say that every country has under reported cases.

The worldwide case count is understated in general

1 member reacted to this post

ddmcghee Dominican Republic Expert

1948POSTS

5 years ago

#36

To further your point, Planner, about the increase in number of beds providing a false sense of security - with the increased beds, are they also increasing the number of trained and available staff to support those beds/patients?

ddmcghee Dominican Republic Expert

1948POSTS

5 years ago

#37

And the behavior and spread in the capital does impact other areas! Las Terrenas is flooded with folks from Santo Domingo every weekend!

planner Dominican Republic Expert

17772POSTS

5 years ago

#38

Valid question聽 for sure.聽聽My understanding is there is a shortage of trained staff.聽 AND聽 under the ravages of this virus many are sick, some have聽 left聽 working,聽 and some sadly have died. The rest are worn the hell out I am sure.聽聽

Yes the exodus of聽 people from SD and Santiago to the beaches and聽 countryside is how much of the spread started and continues!

Willie I absolutely agree. We work with what we have in terms of numbers!

BassistMurf New member

8POSTS

5 years ago

#39

Thank you all for your replies and participation in discussion. It has been very informative and thought provoking. Much of the discussion has jarred my own memories of events and friends in the medical field here at home. Important things that had been minimized during semi-isolation. Many things have been stated that I did not or could not have known. It has been very helpful & I am grateful.

1 member reacted to this post