02 Jul 2021 | 07:04 PM UTC
Puerto Rico: Authorities ending most COVID-19-related restrictions effective July 5, except measures for unvaccinated individuals /update 26
Puerto Rico to end most COVID-19 measures effective July 5, except those for unvaccinated individuals, as case numbers remain low.
Event
Authorities in Puerto Rico will end most COVID-19-related restrictions due to low viral spread and progress in the territory's vaccination campaign. Effective July 5, businesses and other establishments will no longer need to abide by any capacity restrictions or curtailed hours of operation. Additionally, fully vaccinated individuals will no longer be required to wear facemasks except in specific circumstances, such as in healthcare settings. Persons not fully vaccinated will, however, still be required to wear facemasks. Furthermore, all individuals attending events of 500 persons or more will be obligated to present either proof of full vaccination or a negative result from a COVID-19 antigen test taken no earlier than 24 hours before the event begins.
International Travel Restrictions
Puerto Rico's borders have reopened to all travelers, save those prevented from entering the US due to ongoing COVID-19-related restrictions at the federal level. Arriving passengers must wear protective face coverings and are subject to enhanced health screenings and protocols. Travelers must present a negative result from a COVID-19 PCR or antigen test taken no more than 72 hours before arrival or else prove that they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Those arriving without such documentation can either be tested at the airport or within 48 hours after arrival; they must remain in quarantine at their own expense while awaiting the results. Travelers who test positive for COVID-19 will be subject to a quarantine period lasting a minimum of 10 days at their own expense.
Authorities could reimpose, extend, further ease, or otherwise amend any restrictions with little-to-no notice depending on disease activity over the coming weeks.
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.
Resources
WHO Coronavirus Knowledge Base
Puerto Rico Health Department - COVID-19 Updates
