Learning from pandemics in the Americas: the Dominican Republic programmatic response against a novel coronavirus (COVID-19)

Abstract

The newly introduced severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) causative agent of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was confirmed in the Dominican Republic on the 29 th of February 2020. Dominican Republic’s COVID-19 response is a hybrid of previous experiences in other latitudes, based on epidemiological characteristics of individuals, clinical progression of COVID‐19, and quarantine intervention reinforced by the authority. Prevention against SARS-CoV-2 in the DR had involve massive disinfection campaigns, educational resources, community-engagement, case detection, and cluster isolation. COVID-19 strategies shall be focused on community leader mobilization in high incidence spots and emerging hotspots, with clear political leadership by governmental authorities. In this, the political leadership with the guidance of experts will be trusted and civilians will assume the responsibility of staying home. Very soon we will see the impact of this virus in the continent, late adopters of international health regulations will face the worst scenarios, those with a more resilient programming are having better outcomes. As effective those interventions, as faster will be the economic recovery.