Curacao: Authorities tighten COVID-19-related domestic measures until at least Jan. 17 /update 34

Event

Authorities in Curacao have tightened COVID-19-related domestic measures to curb the spread of the disease. Under the new directives, effective until at least Jan. 17, an extended nightly curfew is in place 22:00-04:30, during which period only essential workers are allowed to be on the streets. Additionally, businesses must close nightly by 21:00, and public transport may only operate until 22:00. Public events have been suspended, groups are prohibited from playing sports, and gyms are limited to operating at a maximum of 50 percent capacity.

Officials have also updated Curacao's international travel restrictions; as of Jan. 9, all countries and territories are considered very high risk.

Domestic Measures
In addition to the aforementioned measures, individuals must continue to wear a facemask within indoor public settings and while on public transport, and public gatherings of more than four people from different households are banned.

Effective Feb. 1, individuals in Curacao will be eligible to receive a digital vaccination certificate (DCC) only after receiving both a full series of an approved COVID-19 vaccine and a booster shot.

International Travel Restrictions
Officials currently classify all countries and territories as one of two COVID-19-related risk categories for purposes of applying corresponding international travel restrictions: very low risk or very high risk. As of Jan. 9, all countries and territories are considered very high risk. For a full list of countries by COVID-19-related risk designation, click here.

To enter Curacao, individuals traveling from very high-risk countries and territories must complete a digital immigration card before travel and a Passenger Locator Card (PLC) within 48 hours prior to departing for the island. These travelers must also have proof of a negative result from a PCR test taken within 48 hours prior to their flight and must take an antigen test on their third day in Curacao.

Authorities in Curacao accept the DCC of Curacao, Aruba, Bonaire, Sint Maarten, Saba, St. Eustatius, and the EU as official proof of vaccination, and permit holders of these documents to travel to the island with such proof of completed vaccination.

Individuals under the age of 12 who do not show symptoms are not required to comply with testing requirements. All arriving travelers are subject to a health screening at Curaçao International Airport (CUR). Arriving travelers displaying COVID-19 symptoms or failing to comply with COVID-19-related travel restrictions may be subject to quarantine.

Authorities could reimpose, extend, 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 arrangements. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance.

Resources

World Health Organization (WHO)
Government of Curacao
Government COVID-19 Information
Government Travel Restrictions
Digital Immigration Card and PLC