Suriname: Health officials tighten coronavirus disease-related restrictions as of Dec. 22 /update 20

Health officials in Suriname tighten COVID-19-related restrictions as of Dec. 22. Extended curfew and broadened travel ban are in effect.

Event

Health officials in Suriname have tightened the nation's existing restrictions imposed to curb the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Effective Dec. 22, an extended 1900-0500 curfew will be in effect nightly; the extended curfew had previously been in force on weekends. Only essential workers, including medical workers and emergency services personnel, are exempt from the curfew. Additionally, all commercial passenger flights to the country are banned; only cargo flights and specially authorized flights to repatriate citizens are be permitted to arrive in or depart from Suriname.

Additionally, under the revised restrictions, many nonessential businesses, including recreation centers, casinos, entertainment facilities, fitness centers, and salons must close. All sports except individual exercise activities such as jogging, cycling, and walking, are prohibited. Discotheques, nightclubs, dance halls, and brothels, which had previously been ordered to close, must remain shut. Restaurants may only operate on a carryout basis, with food consumed off-premises. All gatherings of more than 10 people are prohibited. This prohibition has been extended to religious services.

Authorities previously announced plans to tighten enforcement of the measures by establishing checkpoints on roads and at bridges to ensure compliance with the curfew. Additionally, roadblocks will be placed on roads leading to the country's many gold fields.

International Travel
All commercial passenger flights are banned from entry, with only cargo flights and specially permitted repatriation flights allowed. The movements of arriving travelers are highly restricted; transport from the airport to accommodations is controlled, and all travelers must complete a mandatory seven-day quarantine. The following additional entry requirements are in place:

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 lodging. 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.