Suriname: Authorities replace COVID-19 lockdown with nightly curfew; maintain travel restrictions through at least July 5 /update 32

Suriname replaces COVID-19-related lockdown with nightly curfew; travel restrictions remain in effect through July 5.

Event

The government of Suriname has issued orders to replace its recent temporary lockdown with a nightly curfew, while extending other business and travel restrictions through at least July 5 as part of the nation's effort to curb the spread of COVID-19. Under the new directive, the curfew runs between the hours of 18:00-06:00 Mondays through Saturdays. On Sundays and on the upcoming July 1 Freedom Day holiday, residents are prohibited from leaving their homes for the entire day. Only persons working in essential services and those having a permit from the Ministry of Justice and Peace may be outside their residences during curfew hours. Authorities have established checkpoints on several major roads to enforce the curfew.

Other measures in place include the following:

Gatherings of more than five people are banned, except for work purposes following health protocols. Funerals may have up to 10 attendees.
Places of worship are closed.
Sporting activities are banned.
Consumption of alcohol in public places is banned.
Most nonessential businesses must close for in-person services, including restaurants, bars, nightclubs, gambling and entertainment venues, gyms, and sports establishments.
Other businesses can open from Monday to Saturday between 06:00-17:00. Restaurants may open for pickup and delivery services.
Schools and other institutions of learning will remain closed.

Travel and Border Restrictions
International commercial passenger flights remain mostly suspended. Passenger flights are allowed to and from Netherlands, Guyana, French Guiana, the US, and the Caribbean; outbound flights to Brazil, Cuba, and the Dominican Republic are allowed, although inbound flights from these countries are prohibited. Cargo flights are exempt from most restrictions. Flights to and from Haiti remain banned.

Fully vaccinated individuals may enter Suriname, but must also provide a negative result from a PCR COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours prior to travel. Such travelers will be advised, but not required, to self-quarantine for seven days. Unvaccinated individuals will be allowed to travel to Suriname only for essential purposes or repatriation; these travelers are required to provide a negative result from a PCR COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours prior to arrival and complete a mandatory seven-day quarantine at a government-approved location. Unvaccinated individuals will not be allowed to leave Suriname unless they are traveling to their country of birth or residency.

Maritime goods transport and essential passenger travel are allowed to and from Guyana and French Guiana only on Wednesdays and Fridays. Land borders remain closed except for persons authorized by the Surinamese government.

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 and maintain contact with your diplomatic representation for further updates and guidance.