Suriname: Health officials extend nationwide coronavirus disease-related restrictions through Feb. 6 /update 22

Suriname extends COVID-19-related restrictions, including 1900-0500 curfew, until Feb. 6. International travel ban remains in place.

Event

Officials in Suriname have extended the existing internal and international travel restrictions, in place in response to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, from Jan. 24 through at least Feb. 6. Most of the previous restrictions remain the same; new restrictions include a prohibition on alcohol consumption in public. Additionally, only one person per family is permitted to conduct purchases at authorized businesses. The following restrictions remain in place under the current orders:

Domestic Measures
The 1900-0500 will continue to be enforced until Feb. 6. Only essential workers, including medical workers and emergency services personnel, are exempt from the curfew. Other restrictions will also be enforced during this period. Many nonessential businesses, including recreation centers, casinos, entertainment facilities, fitness centers, and salons, must remain closed. All sports except individual exercise activities such as jogging, cycling, and walking, are prohibited. Discotheques, nightclubs, dance halls, and brothels must remain shut. Restaurants may only operate on a carryout or delivery basis, with food consumed off-premises; collections are possible until 1900 and delivery until 2200. All gatherings of more than five people are prohibited; however, religious gatherings and funerals may have up to 10 people in attendance. All government offices and schools will also be closed until Feb. 6.

International and Domestic Travel
All commercial passenger flights are banned from entry, with only cargo flights and specially permitted repatriation flights allowed. Domestic flights are also restricted to cargo transport, repatriations, and emergency flights. 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 remain restricted; however, cargo, medical, and emergency transportation is continuing.

Officials are likely to enforce increased security measures to enforce the restrictions and facilitate domestic movements around the country. Authorities could reimpose, extend, further tighten, 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.