Curacao: Authorities extend COVID-19-related restrictions until Jan. 11, 2021 /update 17

Event

Officials in Curacao have again extended the island's existing 2100-0430 curfew and other internal restrictions through at least Jan. 11, 2021, as part of the ongoing coronavirus disease (COVID-19) response. All measures remain unchanged since being revised in early December, and will continue to be enforced as follows:

The use of a facemask is mandatory in certain stores, at barbers and salons, as well as in hospitals and clinics, on public transport, and at funerals.
Gatherings are to be limited to a maximum of four people in public places.
The consumption of alcohol is banned at all hospitality establishments with a liquor license, including restaurants, hotels, snack bars, cafes, and beach clubs.
All commercial establishments are to close by 1800, except supermarkets, minimarkets, bakeries, gas stations, pharmacies, lottery offices, and restaurants which may remain open until 2000. All establishments may operate at a maximum of 50-percent capacity, with no more than 50 people inside at a time. Casinos must stay closed.
Food trucks may only operate 1600-2000. Bars, snack bars, and beach bars must close by 1700 and may only offer takeout, delivery, and curbside pickup services. All casinos are to remain closed.
Hotels may keep their bars and restaurants open, for hotel guests only, beyond 2000 if they have a permit.
Places of worship may offer services at 50-percent capacity and with no more than 50 people in attendance at a time.
Sports events may occur without spectators. Gyms and sports facilities are limited to 25 people at a time.
Face-to-face teaching for approved grades is limited to groups of 15 people at a time.
Public transport will only be available until 2100.

International Travel
International travel restrictions also remain unchanged. Although Curacao has gradually eased the restrictions, the number of international tourists permitted entry from approved locations is limited to 20,000 per month; international travel options are still limited. Travelers from low- and medium-risk countries and territories in the Caribbean and Europe, as well as the US states of Florida, New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut, and Canada, French Guiana, Guyana, Uruguay, China, Hong Kong, India, New Zealand, Taiwan, and Morocco, are permitted to enter Curacao without quarantine. All passengers will be subject to enhanced health screenings. Before travel, most of these visitors will be required to:

Complete the digital immigration card.
Complete the digital Passenger Locator Card (PLC) 48 hours before departure and carry the printed document.
Present a negative COVID-19 test taken a maximum of 72 hours before departure at an accredited laboratory.

Travelers from destinations assessed to be low-risk are only required to complete the digital immigration card and the PLC. These countries and territories include Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Aruba, Barbados, Bermuda, Bonaire, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Dominica, Grenada, Montserrat, Saba, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Sint Eustatius, and Saint Vincent and Grenadines.

Persons who have been in a country or city with high COVID-19 activity in the previous 14 days must submit a travel exemption request and, if approved, will be required to quarantine for at least 14 days upon entry. All embarked ships that want to lay-up must stay in quarantine for 14 days under strict supervision; crew members will be required to quarantine for 14 days.

Authorities could reimpose, extend, further tighten, or otherwise amend any restrictions with little-to-no notice depending on disease activity over the coming weeks.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance.

Emphasize basic health precautions, especially frequent handwashing with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable. Practice good coughing/sneezing etiquette (i.e., covering coughs and sneezes with a disposable tissue, maintaining distance from others, and washing hands). There is no evidence that the influenza vaccine, antibiotics, or antiviral medications will prevent this disease, highlighting the importance of diligent basic health precautions.