SANTO DOMINGO- In the real estate industry, the majority approves of continuing to use masks as a preventive measure to address the COVID-19 situation, despite the announcement made by President Luis Abinader lifting all restrictions in this regard.
Of a total of eighty people who answered the question of whether they believe that the use of masks should continue, 63.75% answered yes and that they will continue to wear them; 17.5% condition their use to closed or crowded spaces; 8.75% approve of not using them; 6.25% identify with the decision announced by the Government and 3.75% offered a neutral response.
“We must continue to wear masks and take all precautions. COVID-19 is not over, and in countries with higher vaccination rates and stronger healthcare systems, reopening and easing restrictions has led to setbacks. I understand that it was a hasty decision given the current situation,” responded Claudia Castillo of Top Inmobiliario.
“I understand that masks should continue to be used, but not because they are mandated, but rather out of awareness and responsibility,” responded Rita Castillo of BesthouseRD. “I understand that masks should continue to be used and their use gradually phased out,” responded Leonel De la Cruz of Hogarium.
Moisés Abreu of Homfol Inmobiliaria understands that it should continue to be used for a few more days until the number of people inoculated with the third dose increases.
“Where there are large crowds and poor ventilation,” said Fermin Acosta of Constructora Crisfer. “Yes, we should always use it when we are in enclosed spaces,” declared Doña Teresa Pérez.
“While it is true that the president lifted all COVID-19 restrictions yesterday, this does not mean the virus has disappeared, nor does it negate the fact that various variants have emerged that could have serious consequences if we do not handle the situation prudently. Although it is true that many people are against the vaccine and the mandatory use of masks because they believe their human rights are being violated, it is important as individuals, citizens, and family members to understand our own individual situations and take care of ourselves according to our conscience,” stated Yeranni Brea, general manager of Remax Monumental, Santiago.
According to Porfirio Rodríguez, administrator of Plaza Central, the government should have been more gradual, suspending or releasing its use in open spaces and streets, while maintaining the obligation of its use in the Metro or closed places.
“We applaud the decision to eliminate the restrictions; however, the use of masks or not should be a personal decision. In my case, I will use one when I go to crowded or poorly ventilated places,” said Alberto Bogaert, president of the Association of Real Estate Agents and Companies (AEI).
“I understand that it is necessary to continue using masks, as well as continuing with the health protocol. COVID-19 is still active and the Dominican population is not 100% vaccinated,” according to Denise Martínez.
“Given the circumstances and the damage this pandemic has done to the dynamism of the economy, I fully agree with President Abinader's position, especially that those who wish to protect themselves have complete freedom to continue using a mask,” declared Yoneidy Castillo, from Braiko Real Estate.
“In my family, we will continue using it as long as there is COVID-19 in the country. Everyone who gets in my vehicle must wear it,” noted engineer Rafael Durán of SBDS Investments.
“Of course it should continue to be used. Countries that have lifted the mandatory mask requirement have over 95% of their population vaccinated and are respecting social distancing. Here, we have neither. Many like me will continue to use it, but unfortunately, infections will increase, at a time when the pandemic is supposed to be almost over,” emphasized architect Mayra Pezzotti.
“In my opinion, no. The case rate is decreasing significantly, and the new strain of the virus is much less lethal than previous ones. In countries like the United States, its use is already completely optional, and cases have remained under control,” said Michael Mota, CEO of Alterstate.
“We must definitely use it,” replied Roberto Carlos George of FIDEMIX.
“At Copymecom, we fully agree with the measures taken by the government to lift the restrictions we had in place. While these restrictions existed, many neighborhoods and sectors were still operating normally. We also agree that everyone is responsible for their own health, and we must remember that restricting workplaces also limits businesses. We understand that everyone must take care of themselves,” stated Eliseo Cristofer, president of the organization.
It was a political decision
Epidemiologist and public health expert Dr. Carlos Manuel Feliz Cuello stated that lifting the restrictions was a political decision, not an epidemiological or health-related one.
Speaking to the Resumen de Salud website, he stated that the measure is inconsistent, because it does not correspond to the health reality in the Dominican Republic and that it represents "an inability of the government to control the pandemic that has been in the country for more than a year and a half.".
"The decision represents an inability to achieve the government's goal of vaccinating almost 70% of the population; only 54% of the population has been vaccinated, which is a source of frustration since vaccines are available for the population in the country," he stated.
He noted that, while it is true that there is a decrease in cases, the health indicators of positivity and incidence at the national level show that there are more than 25 provinces above 10%.
He understands that it must be below 5% to control a pandemic and that this is not the reality in the Dominican Republic, and that the decision reflects a "failure in epidemiological health policy" and asserts that the Government did not want to acknowledge it.
He argued that the decision creates a false impression among the population, suggesting that the health problem in the country is under control.
