Abinader launches ‘Consciousness for Life 2024’ Holy Week operation

Santo Domingo.- President Luis Abinader has unveiled the commencement of the “Consciousness for Life 2024” Holy Week operation, featuring over 49,000 first responders and more than 3,000 aid stations. The announcement came during the La Semanal con la Prensa event held in the Las Cariátides room of the National Palace.

Scheduled Operations

Addressing the media, President Abinader outlined the operating hours for the Holy Week 2024 operation, which will run from Thursday, March 28 at 2:00 p.m. until Sunday, March 31 at 6:00 p.m. He highlighted that 248 spas will be closed during the holiday, and the sale of alcoholic beverages will be prohibited for the entirety of Good Friday, starting March 29.

Deployed Resources

The President detailed the extensive resources allocated for the operation, including 49,723 personnel comprising brigade members, medical professionals, paramedics, military, police, and search and rescue specialists. Additionally, there will be 3,323 aid stations strategically positioned at critical locations such as beaches, spas, roads, highways, and avenues. Furthermore, 303 immediate response units (URI), 603 ambulances, and 3 helicopters will be stationed at key points.

Regional Command Centers and Support Facilities

President Abinader highlighted the establishment of 9 regional command centers, 51 tow truck positions, 11 pre-hospital care centers, 25 car-workshop positions along highways and roads, and 23 boats to ensure comprehensive coverage. The operation will also feature 20 road protection and assistance units, 21 centers for locating and assisting lost children, 47 OMSA buses, and 3 mobile hospitals.

Regulations and Restrictions

The National Institute of Transit and Land Transportation (INTRANT) will implement regulations to manage transportation and pedestrian routes, particularly during nighttime activities. Cargo vehicles are barred from circulating from Thursday, March 28 at 6:00 a.m. until Monday at 5:00 a.m. They are restricted to a maximum speed of 80 km/h and must utilize the far-right lane. Moreover, motorcycles are only permitted to carry a maximum of two occupants, with both driver and passenger required to wear helmets.

Simultaneous Traffic Operations

President Abinader announced a simultaneous traffic operation conducted by the General Directorate of Traffic and Land Transportation Security (DIGESETT) on Easter Sunday, March 31, beginning at 3:00 p.m. across various regions. This operation will cover the Eastern region from Punta Cana to the Juan Carlos bridge of the Las Américas highway, the Duarte highway from Santiago de los Caballeros to KM.25, and the Southern region from Baní to the 6 de Noviembre highway toll.

The coordination and execution of this operation will be overseen by the COE, involving various public and private institutions to ensure the safety and well-being of citizens during the Holy Week festivities.