COVID-19 and Compassion’s Work in the Dominican Republic

An in-depth look at the coronavirus pandemic in the Dominican Republic

Last Updated: 07/27/2021

Cases in the Dominican Republic have continued to fall from the 1,000 cases reported last month to an average of 556 per day as of July 18. So far, the country has fully inoculated 43.6% of its population of 10.5 million people, up from 24% in June. A curfew remains in place with differing hours on weekdays and weekends. The Dominican Republic is not requiring a negative COVID-19 test to enter the country, and the government is encouraging tourism in an effort to revive the economy.

Compassion centers in the Dominican Republic are all either doing distance only or meeting in small groups. As they work from home, staff members are providing spiritual and emotional support to families through home visits, phone calls, video calls and other virtual methods. They have also delivered more than 234,500 food packs and over 125,000 hygiene kits while complying with guidelines. They are also working with local doctors to facilitate telehealth calls with families and have helped provide medical support to nearly 17,000 individuals. Mentors and tutors are keeping in touch with children and youths through online meetings and social media.

COVID response in the Dominican Republic

A Message From National Staff

How Is Compassion Currently Operating in the Dominican Republic?

Below, you will find the latest information on how Compassion is currently operating in the Dominican Republic, including status updates on center openings, letter delivery and gift delivery. This is the most current information we have, though it can change quickly. Please know that all children and their families are being checked in on regularly by staff, either in person or by phone, even if the Compassion center is not open for programming.

Are Compassion Centers Open?

Currently, all centers in the Dominican Republic are conducting ministry either through phone calls and emails or small groups. Staff members continue to conduct home visits as well as call and check on families, all while obeying social distancing guidelines. Because of the generous support of sponsors and donors, they have been able to distribute more than 234,500 food packs and over 125,000 hygiene kits to children and their families!

Are Children Receiving Letters?

Are Gifts Being Delivered?

Gifts continue to be distributed in the Dominican Republic. Staff members have been given the option to disburse monetary gifts to an appropriate, verified caregiver, if necessary. This applies to family gifts and child gifts (including birthday and final gifts). Families may spend the gift on whatever they consider most important to meet family needs. The caregiver will be notified whether a gift has been designated as a child gift or family gift. The caregiver will decide the best use of the money, recognizing that sometimes purchasing food or paying rent is in the best interest of a child.

Story From the Field

Before the pandemic, Jonas had never experienced real hunger. He may have had to wait for his mother, Miguelina, to get home from her job at a hotel before dinner was done, or for his father, Domingo, to get home from his construction work to eat, but there was always food on the table.

But as COVID-19 swept through his community, Jonas’ parents both lost their jobs. Hotels shut down and construction sites were barren. Miguelina could no longer feed her children. She felt a terrible mix of shame and hopelessness as she had to send her children to bed hungry night after night. But that changed the day she saw the staff from Jonas’ Compassion center come to their door with arms filled with food.

“I was surprised,” says Miguelina. “God provided for us through the center more than we could have imagined. All these foods will last us possibly up to one month.” Jonas, however, was less surprised. “I was hungry but I knew the center would come to help us.”

How can I pray for the Dominican Republic?

Please pray for the elderly and ill as COVID-19 numbers rise; pray for wisdom and protection for those at high risk. For more prayer resources, visit Compassion’s COVID-19 prayer page for prayer guides and a virtual prayer wall.

How Can I Help?

Sponsor a Child in the Dominican Republic

Give to Compassion’s COVID-19 Relief Fund

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