06 Jan 2022 | 09:29 PM UTC
Puerto Rico: Authorities tighten several COVID-19-related domestic measures as of early January /update 34
Officials in Puerto Rico tighten several COVID-19-related domestic measures as of early January. Travel requirements remain unchanged.
Event
Authorities in Puerto Rico have recently tightened several COVID-19-related domestic measures as of early January. Individuals entering any crowded event, including in theaters and stadiums, must be fully vaccinated and present a negative result from a PCR or antigen test taken within 48 hours prior to the event. Additionally, restaurants, bars, and other establishments where food or drink is served are limited to operating at a maximum of 50 percent indoors and 75 percent outdoors until at least Jan. 16. Also, until at least Jan. 18, all activities of more than 250 people are banned, all private establishments must close nightly 23:59-05:00, and the sale of alcohol is prohibited 23:59-05:00.
Workers in multiple types of private businesses, including supermarkets, restaurants, and bars, must be fully vaccinated and receive a booster shot of a COVID-19 vaccine by Jan. 31.
Domestic Measures
Other than these recently declared measures, officials continue to require all individuals to wear a facemask in indoor public spaces, regardless of vaccination status. Wearing a facemask is also mandatory in outdoor public spaces where 50 or more people are present.
International Travel Restrictions
Travelers must complete a Travel Declaration Form before departure for Puerto Rico. Travelers must also follow the federal requirements for travel from outside the US and US territories: most nonresident foreign nationals must be fully vaccinated to enter Puerto Rico and provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test (i.e., either PCR or antigen) taken within 24 hours before travel. Fully vaccinated individuals traveling from a US state or territory are not required to provide a negative test result to enter Puerto Rico; however, unvaccinated travelers entering from a US state or territory do have to provide a negative result from a PCR test taken within 72 hours prior to departure for the island.
Travelers are not required to take an additional test upon arrival; however, authorities at the airport randomly select 100 travelers daily to take a COVID-19 test.
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.
