31 Aug 2021 | 01:16 AM UTC
Puerto Rico: Authorities plan to reimpose reduced business hours effective Sept. 2 /update 30
Puerto Rico to reimpose shortened business hours from Sept. 2; other COVID-19-related measures and entry restrictions remain in force.
Event
Authorities in Puerto Rico plan to reintroduce shortened operating hours Sept. 2-23 for all establishments serving the public directly. Such businesses must now remain closed 00:01-05:00. Essential businesses such as supermarkets, gas stations, and restaurants utilizing delivery or carry-out are exempt from the restriction; other establishments not serving the public directly can also remain open. Officials have also banned the sale and public consumption of alcohol and social events, such as weddings and parties, during the aforementioned hours. Further restrictions which remain in force are as follows:
Domestic Measures
Officials require all individuals to wear facemasks in indoor public spaces, regardless of vaccination status. Facemasks are also mandatory in outdoor public spaces where 50 or more people are present. Additionally, proof of full vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test result is necessary for all individuals accessing services at gyms, casinos, spas, barbershops, restaurants, bars, theaters, and cinemas, as well as guests planning to stay in hotels or short-term rentals.
Those who opt to provide a negative test result should do so using either a PCR or antigen test taken within 72 hours before entry/check-in. Authorities have stated that proof of recovery from COVID-19 within the previous three-month period is also acceptable. Individuals who stay in hotels or short-term rentals for greater than one week and are not fully vaccinated will need to submit to further weekly testing. All individuals attending events with 500 or more people must also 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 starts.
International Travel Restrictions
Puerto Rico's borders have reopened to all travelers, except 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 prove that they are fully vaccinated against the virus. 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 lasting at least 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.
