Aruba: Authorities tighten COVID-19-related restrictions through early January /update 19

Officials in Aruba are enforcing a 2300-0500 curfew through Jan. 3. International travel permitted from all countries and territories.

Event

As of Jan. 1, authorities in Aruba have tightened internal restrictions related to curbing the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19); however, international travel restrictions have been eased. Officials will impose a 2300-0500 curfew until at least Jan. 3. The following additional operating requirements are in place until further notice:

Individuals are required to use facemasks in all indoor public spaces, public transport, and tour buses.
All commercial establishments, excluding hotels, must close by 2200.
Indoor home gatherings are to be limited to 10 people only, while outdoor gatherings are to be limited to 25 people.
Restaurants may seat eight people per table indoors and 10 people per table outdoors.

All businesses and establishments must continue to ensure that employees and customers keep at least 1.5 meters (5 feet) apart, that sick workers stay home, and that enhanced sanitation and hygiene protocols are enforced. Some industries may be required to adhere to additional sector-specific requirements.

International Travel
As of Jan. 1, Aruba has lifted all remaining travel bans, and travelers from all countries and regions are permitted entry subject to testing and quarantine requirements. Enhanced health screenings and requirements continue to be enforced for arriving passengers:

All travelers are required to complete a digital Embarkation-Disembarkation Card (ED card) and must purchase mandatory coronavirus disease (COVID-19) health insurance before travel.
Arrivals aged 15 and over must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than 72 hours before departure for Aruba and uploaded no later than 12 hours before departure.
Any persons arriving without a negative COVID-19 test will be tested at the airport at their own expense, followed by a mandatory 24-hour quarantine in their accommodations while awaiting test results.
Passengers who decline to take the test and those who test positive for COVID-19 will be quarantined at an approved location.

Authorities could reimpose, extend, further ease, or otherwise amend any restrictions with little-to-no notice depending on local disease activity.

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.

Emphasize basic health precautions, especially frequent handwashing with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable. Practice good coughing/sneezing etiquette (i.e., covering coughs and sneezes with a disposable tissue, maintaining distance from others, and washing hands). There is no evidence that the influenza vaccine, antibiotics, or antiviral medications will prevent this disease, highlighting the importance of diligent basic health precautions.