Suriname: Coronavirus disease-related measures, including 2300-0500 curfew, modified and extended through at least Dec. 21 /update 18

Officials in Suriname modify and extend coronavirus disease-related measures through Dec. 21. Nightly 2300-0500 curfew remains in effect.

Event

Effective Dec. 7, authorities in Suriname have modified and extended the measures imposed to curb the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19. As part of the modification, the mandatory quarantine period for those entering the country has been reduced to seven days. The following restrictions continue to be enforced:

The nightly 2300-0500 curfew remains in effect. Only essential workers, including medical workers and emergency services personnel, are exempt from the curfew.
Gatherings are limited to 30 people; however, parties remain banned.
Religious gatherings and funerals are permitted subject to capacity limits, with no more than one person per five square meters at a time.
Restaurants and other eateries may only open for outside dining and takeaway.
Outdoor sports may continue without spectators, though contact sports are still prohibited.
Gyms, sports, and recreational centers, contact and personal care services, markets, and casinos may continue to operate subject to COVID-19 operating protocols.
Discotheques, nightclubs, dance halls, and brothels remain closed.

Generally, all individuals and employees must continue to adhere to regular hygiene protocols and physical-distancing measures, including keeping 1.5 meters (5 feet) between individuals and wearing facemasks. Businesses that are permitted to open must enforce strict operating protocols.

International Travel
Commercial flights between Suriname and the Netherlands, as well as highly regulated pre-arranged regional flights, are permitted. Nonetheless, international travel remains highly restricted for most nonresident foreign nationals, and the authorities will determine the number of passengers per flight per week. Upon arrival, traveler movements will be also be highly restricted; transport from the airport to the accommodation will be controlled, and all travelers must complete a mandatory seven-day quarantine. The following additional requirements are in place to be permitted entry:

Travelers must provide a negative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test result taken 72-120 hours before departure.
Travelers must provide proof of a confirmed accommodation booking of at least seven days at a registered Suriname Hospitality and Tourism Association (SHATA) hotel or accommodation. Home quarantine is only allowed with written permission from the Ministry of Health.
Nonresidents are required to have travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage.

Passenger travel via the land and sea borders remains restricted; however, cargo, medical, and emergency transportation is continuing.

Authorities could reimpose, extend, further ease, or otherwise amend any restrictions with little-to-no notice depending on disease activity over the coming weeks. Authorities could impose highly targeted, localized measures in some communities in response to increased activity.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel and transportation 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.