Bold health, social and job protection measures in response to the COVID-19 impacts

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC - In Brief 26 Mar 2020 by Pavel Isa
Last night President Medina addressed the Nation again. He delivered a very heartfelt, humble speech that called for solidarity and responsibility. His words were very well received by the majority, including critics of the government. In the speech, the president announced new health actions and unprecedented economic measures to alleviate the economic impact of the pandemic. In our opinion, the measures are very positive and go in the right direction. On health, Medina announced: - A significant expansion of the capacity to care for patients diagnosed with Covid-19 - The government will assume the costs of the virus examination for all people over 59 years old or with risky conditions. - A significant increase in the number of rapid tests available On social protection, he announced: - A comprehensive food distribution program for poor households - Starting in April, an increase in the number of poor households benefiting from government cash transfers from 850 thousand to 1.5 million (near 6 million people). - An increase in the equivalent of USD 100 per month for a period of two months (from April through May) of monetary transfers to poor households to acquire food and other basic goods. In addition, an additional USD 40 per month will be allocated for households that have people at risk. Currently the monthly transfer for food and other basics is about USD 20. In terms of jobs, he announced a subsidy per worker hired in the formal sector at risk of losing his/her job for the equivalent of about USD 160 per month. The subsidy is aimed of supporting businesses to retaining them in their jobs. The subsidy will be provided in April and May. The mechanism and eligibil...

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