Public demonstrations against noise pollution in Santo Domingo and heightened health monitoring surrounding a cruise ship affected by a norovirus outbreak in Puerto Plata have dominated recent headlines in the Dominican Republic.
In the capital, the organization Vecinos Contra el Ruido staged a protest near Independence Park, calling for stricter enforcement of laws regulating excessive noise. Its director, Rossemary Bonifacio, argued that noise pollution has evolved beyond a simple nuisance and now constitutes a serious public health issue.
Organizers urged authorities to fully enforce Laws 90-19 and 34-00, which regulate harmful sound emissions. City council member Jorge Feliz Pacheco recalled that the World Health Organization recommends noise limits of 55 decibels during the day and 40 at night, while some sectors of the National District reportedly reach levels as high as 75 decibels.
Municipal officials, including Wilkin Martínez, backed the initiative, highlighting the effects of prolonged noise exposure on children, elderly residents and individuals already suffering from health conditions. Several residents also reported intimidation or aggression after filing complaints against excessively noisy neighbors.
Audiologist Leidy Toledo meanwhile recommended regular hearing examinations to reduce the risk of long-term hearing damage. According to figures cited during the protest, more than 70,000 people in the Dominican Republic may be affected by hearing disorders linked to prolonged exposure to noise.
On the public health front, the Dominican Ministry of Public Health confirmed that the cruise ship Caribbean Princess, affected by a norovirus outbreak, docked on May 8 at the Amber Cove port in Puerto Plata before departing later the same day for Nassau.
The vessel was carrying 3,367 passengers and 1,346 crew members. Authorities stated that 26 individuals displayed symptoms compatible with norovirus during the stopover and remained isolated in their cabins. No infected passengers were allowed to disembark.
The ministry clarified that the viral outbreak originated earlier in the voyage, on April 28, and was not linked to Dominican territory. Nevertheless, health officials conducted a sanitary inspection aboard the vessel to assess onboard safety conditions and containment protocols implemented by the crew.
Authorities say an active monitoring system remains in place across ports and tourist areas, as the cruise industry continues to represent a strategic economic sector for the Dominican Republic.
Soraya Ades.
📲 Rejoignez Le Quotidien 509
Recevez nos dernières nouvelles directement sur votre téléphone via notre chaîne WhatsApp officielle.
🚀 Rejoindre la chaîne WhatsApp