Puerto Rico: Authorities to tighten curfew and other restrictions from December 7 until January 7 /update 18

Puerto Rico officials to tighten COVID-19 restrictions Dec. 7-Jan. 7. New curfew 2100-0500 Monday-Saturday with Sunday lockdowns.

Event

Governor Wanda Vazquez announced that restrictions related to curbing the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) will be tightened from Dec. 7 and will remain in place through Jan. 7, 2021 over the holiday period. Under the new directives, the current nightly 2200-0500 curfew will be amended to 2100-0500 Monday-Saturday, with a full lockdown on Sundays. During the curfew, all persons, except those providing essential services or attending to a medical emergency, must remain in their homes.

Other measures that will take effect Dec. 7 include the prohibition of the sale of alcoholic beverages from 0500 Saturdays until 0500 Mondays. Authorized businesses may operate until 2030 Monday-Saturday. On Sundays, only fuel stations, pharmacies, supermarkets, and hardware stores will be allowed to open and restaurants may only offer delivery and takeout services. Restaurants and supermarkets may offer deliveries until 2300 daily.

The following restrictions will also be enforced through Jan. 7:

All employers must report any suspected or confirmed cases of COVID-19 among their employees to the Department of Health.
Businesses must continue to operate at 30-percent capacity. All common areas will remain closed, except for the hotel pools, which may open at 30-percent capacity.
Restaurants may serve alcohol at tables only (not at bars) Monday-Friday.
Beaches will only be opened for individual sports; the use of coolers or umbrellas is prohibited.
Marinas will be closed to all boats.
Discotheques, bars, and cafes must remain closed. Casinos and cinemas may continue operating at 30-percent capacity.
All indoor and outdoor mass group activities remain prohibited, including parades, caravans, and similar activities.

While the borders have reopened to all travelers, arriving passengers must wear a protective face covering and will be subject to enhanced health screenings and protocols. Authorities are also enforcing the following requirements:

Travelers are required to present a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than 72 hours prior to arrival.
Travelers without the required documentation will be tested at the airport and must remain in quarantine at their own expense while awaiting results.
Travelers without the necessary documentation and who refuse to take a test will be subject to a mandatory 14-day self-quarantine at their own expense.
Travelers who test positive for COVID-19 will be subject to a mandatory 14-day self-quarantine at their own expense.

All measures are always under review and subject to amendment at short notice.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Reconfirm all travel arrangements and business appointments. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions. 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.