Dominican Republic to present national vaccination plan
The Dominican Republic will present today its national vaccination plan against SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.
While neighbours like Puerto Rico have already begun administering the vaccine, the Dominican Republic has lagged behind. Currently, President Luis Abinader has an agreement with four companies to cover the population of 11 million with 20 million doses.
The pandemic has posed significant challenges to the economy, including the loss of foreign exchange earnings due to reductions in tourism, the engine of the economy that contributes to 8% of GDP. Santo Domingo has launched programs to support productive sectors, including encouraging local tourism through financing, infrastructure projects to attract foreigners, and the establishment of free trade zones.
Despite having one of the world’s lowest death rates and an expected economic growth of 6% for 2021, national recovery will take time. Vaccine rollout will likely begin in March, reducing infections, but restrictions will continue to slow down economic reactivation. In the long run, expect Abinader’s investment plans to contribute to economic resurgence by supporting the tourism industry. However, as the world continues to battle the pandemic, tourism will not return to pre-COVID levels as quickly due to preventive measures within common patron countries such as the US and Canada.
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