During Holy Week 2026, while the majority of public and private workers enjoy time off, various institutions increase work to safeguard the safety and mobility of vacationers in the Dominican Republic. This contrast highlights the effort of essential sectors that maintain intensive operations on beaches, highways, and swimming areas.
Security operations with thousands of personnel
The Emergency Operations Center (COE) activates its “Conciencia por la vida” 2026 initiative, mobilizing 51,232 collaborators and volunteers, including brigadistas, paramedics, and rescue specialists. These are distributed throughout the territory to prevent accidents in high-risk areas. Civil Defense complements this with 2,500 members in its own annual operation.
The Ministry of Interior and Police launches the “Operativo Proteger y Servir Semana Santa 2026”, deploying 25,000 agents and 10,000 military personnel. This reinforcement covers highways, rivers, and tourist centers, a recurring strategy that in previous years has reduced fatal incidents by 20% according to historical COE data.
Increase work in health, transportation, and public order
Medical personnel and security forces on the front line
Members of the National Police and Armed Forces increase work with extended patrols. Doctors, nurses, and public hospitals of the Health Network operate without pauses, attending to emergencies. The Ministry of Public Works and toll stations maintain continuous surveillance, as do airport terminals.
- OMSA adjusts schedules starting Thursday, April 2: buses from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
- Interurban drivers and car rentals face massive demand due to the vacation exodus.
Private and religious sector also increase work
Hotels, resorts, and businesses in beach areas enter extra shifts due to the influx. The Catholic Church schedules masses and processions without interruptions. Journalists cover events in real time to keep citizens informed.
This coordination, similar to MAP provisions in years like 2025 —where public institutions closed until Wednesday at 4:00 p.m., but essential services persisted—, ensures a safe holiday. Experts highlight that these efforts prevent tragedies, such as the 47 deaths reported in 2023 from drownings and traffic accidents.
The institutions increase work so that the majority can rest peacefully, prioritizing lives on this key date.