Suriname: Authorities loosen and extend nationwide COVID-19-related curfew through March 9 /update 24

Event

As of Feb. 24, officials in Suriname have relaxed the hours of the curfew in place to curb the spread of COVID-19 while maintaining other existing domestic and international restrictions. The measures will remain in place through at least March 9. The following restrictions are in place under the current orders:

Domestic Measures
Weekday curfew hours have been shortened to 2200-0500 Monday through Thursday, while weekend curfew hours will run 2000-0500 Friday through Sunday. Only essential workers, including medical workers and emergency services personnel, are exempt from the curfew. All stores must close at least one hour before curfew, and only one person per family is permitted to enter markets and stores.

Under the ongoing measures, some nonessential businesses, such as casinos, resorts, gyms, and salons, may operate. Night clubs and bars remain closed. Restaurants are closed to sit-in dining but may open for pick-up until 2100 Monday-Thursday and 1900 Friday-Sunday. Food deliveries may continue until 2300 Monday-Sunday. The cap on the size of gatherings remains limited to 10 persons. Government offices may begin to reopen, albeit with strict limits on occupancy. All persons over 12 years of age are required to wear facemasks when outside of their homes.

International and Domestic Travel
All international 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 and emergency flights. The movements of arriving travelers are highly restricted; transport from the airport to accommodations is controlled, and all incoming travelers must complete a mandatory seven-day quarantine. The following additional entry requirements are in place:

• Incoming travelers must provide a negative result from a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) COVID-19 test taken 72-120 hours before their arrival in Suriname.

• Arriving 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 Suriname's land and sea borders remain restricted; however, cargo, medical, and emergency transportation is continuing.

Officials are likely to deploy increased security 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.

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.

Resources

World Health Organization (WHO)
Suriname COVID-19 Information
Suriname Hospitality and Tourism Association (SHATA)