Puerto Rico: Authorities to implement loosened COVID-19-related restrictions Jan. 8-Feb. 7 /update 19

Puerto Rico officials to ease curfew and other coronavirus disease-related restrictions Jan. 8-Feb. 7. New curfew 2300-0500 daily.

Event

Governor Pedro Pierluisi announced that restrictions related to curbing the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) will be amended from Jan. 8; the relaxed measures will remain in place through Feb. 7. Under the new directives, the 2100-0500 curfew will be reduced to 2300-0500 daily, and the Sunday lockdowns will be lifted. During the curfew, all persons, except those providing essential services or attending to a medical emergency, must remain in their homes.

Other restrictions will also be eased during this period. With the changes to the curfew, authorized commercial establishments may operate until 2200 daily instead of 2030 Monday-Saturday; restaurant and supermarket delivery services may continue operating until 2300. Effective Jan. 7, beaches, marinas, parks, and communal areas, including swimming pools, will be allowed to reopen subject to operating protocols. In these areas, the consumption of alcohol is prohibited, and individuals not from the same household must maintain a 10 feet (3 meters) physical distance between each other.

The following existing restrictions will continue to be enforced:

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.
Restaurants may offer sit-in dining at a 30-percent capacity and may serve alcohol at tables only (not at bars).
Discotheques, bars, and cafes must remain closed. Casinos and cinemas may continue operating at a 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.