12 Feb 2022 | 07:58 PM UTC
Puerto Rico: Authorities relax COVID-19-related measures as of mid-February /update 35
Officials in Puerto Rico ease COVID-19-related domestic controls and travel measures as of mid-February.
Event
Authorities in Puerto Rico have eased several COVID-19-related domestic and travel measures as of mid-February. Officials have removed time limits on operations for certain businesses and increased capacity limits for some establishments. Additionally, individuals traveling from the continental US or another US territory no longer have to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test if they are fully vaccinated.
Domestic Measures
Supermarkets, retail stores, and pharmacies can operate without capacity limits, as long as customers and employees wear a facemask. For other nonessential businesses, individuals must show proof of being fully vaccinated, or have a negative COVID-19 test taken within the prior 48 hours. Restaurants can now open at up to 75 percent capacity, and no longer have to close nightly by midnight. The sale of alcohol is also allowed. Cinemas and theaters can also open up to 75 percent capacity. Mass events can occur, with venues allowing up to 50 percent capacity indoors and 75 percent outdoors. Bars can operate at 50 percent capacity.
Workers in multiple types of private businesses, including supermarkets, restaurants, and bars, must be fully vaccinated and have received a booster shot of a COVID-19 vaccine.
International Travel Restrictions
All 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. Individuals traveling from a US state or territory must provide a negative PCR or antigen test taken within 48 hours prior to arriving on the island if they are not fully vaccinated. Fully vaccinated individuals, traveling from the continental US or another US territory are not required to take a pre-travel test.
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.
