Suriname: Tighter COVID-19 restrictions enter into effect as of Dec. 16 /update 19

Event

Authorities in Suriname have tightened the nation's existing restrictions imposed to curb the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Effective Dec. 16, weekend curfew hours have been extended 1900-0500; the nightly curfew had previously been in force between the hours of 2300-0500. Only essential workers, including medical workers and emergency services personnel, are exempt from the curfew. Additionally, the limit on the number of people who can gather together has been reduced to 10; restaurants may only operate on a carryout basis, with food consumed off premises. Moreover, flights arriving from the Netherlands, Suriname's main link with Europe, are now limited to no more than two per week.

Authorities also plan to tighten enforcement of the measures. Checkpoints will be established on roads and at bridges to ensure compliance with the curfew. Additionally, roadblocks will placed on roads leading to the country's many gold fields.

The following existing set of measures remain in force:

The nightly 2300-0500 curfew remains in effect Monday through Friday.
Religious gatherings and funerals are permitted subject to capacity limits, with no more than one person per five square meters (54 square feet) being inside the facility at a time.
Outdoor sports may continue without spectators, though contact sports are 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 standards, 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 greatly restricted for most nonresident foreign nationals, and authorities determine the number of passengers allowed per flight per week. 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.