Dominica First COVID-19 Response and Recovery Programmatic DPC

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The development objective of the First COVID-19 Response and Recovery Programmatic Development Policy Financing in Dominica supports the Government in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic and in creating the conditions for the country’s economic recovery. The operation consists of two mutually reinforcing pillars: Pillar 1, supporting interventions for saving lives, preserving jobs, and protecting livelihoods; and Pillar 2, strengthening policies, institutions and investments for a resilient and sustainable recovery. Pillar 1 supports the approval and implementation of Dominica’s broader Border Reopening Programme as it pertains to the Action Plan for Entry into Dominica. In July 2020, the Government approved these measures to govern the national response to the COVID-19 pandemic and preparations for reopening the economy. The Border Reopening Programme travel related protocols outline: (i) requirements for mask wearing and social distancing in public; (ii) submission of negative PCR test prior to arrival in Dominica; (iii) completion of health screening questionnaire upon arrival including temperature taking and documenting arrivals from high-risk countries; and (iv) quarantine requirements for those with positive PCR test or arrival from high-risk countries. Going forward, the Ministry of Health, Wellness and New Health Investment is focusing on sustained testing for all new arrivals in Dominica, as well as for high-risk groups such as health care workers and the elderly. Pillar 2 creates fiscal space is necessary to strengthen fiscal resilience and stability, deliver needed social services, provide resources for infrastructure investment, reduce public debt, and better accommodate recurrent shocks. Measures to strengthen domestic revenue mobilization and reduce distortions in the tax system will be supported, as will additional domestic revenue mobilization reforms.