Aruba: Authorities extend COVID-19-related curfew until the end of January /update 21

Officials in Aruba extend the 2300-0500 curfew until Jan. 31. COVID-19-related restrictions on gatherings tightened.

Event

Authorities in Aruba have extended the existing 2300-0500 curfew until Jan. 31 as part of ongoing efforts to curb the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Officials have also tightened some restrictions on public gatherings, and most other pandemic-related operating requirements will remain in place. The following revised measures are in place:

Individuals are required to use facemasks in all indoor public spaces, public transport, and tour buses. Individuals must maintain a physical distance of 1.5 meters (5 feet) between each other.
No more than two people should be together at a time in public; however, people of the same family may gather in groups of no more than four.
All commercial establishments, excluding hotels, must close by 2200.
In addition to the curfew, "area bans," which prohibit anyone from gatherings at beaches and parking lots, have been re-established from 1900 daily.
Indoor home gatherings are limited to 10 people, while outdoor gatherings are limited to 25 people.
Restaurants may seat four people per table at a time.

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
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.