02 Mar 2022 | 04:00 PM UTC
Puerto Rico: Authorities have updated COVID-19-related measures as of early March /update 36
Officials in Puerto Rico have updated COVID-19-related domestic and travel restrictions, as of early March.
Event
As of early March, authorities in Puerto Rico have issued orders to update several of the territory's COVID-19-related domestic and travel restrictions. Under the new directives, workers in multiple businesses, including daycare centers, gyms, casinos, and personal care businesses, must be fully vaccinated and have an additional booster dose of a COVID-19 vaccine by March 15. Additionally, most businesses will be allowed to open at 75 percent capacity, including bars, theaters, and outdoor event venues. Travelers entering Puerto Rico with proof of being fully vaccinated with an additional booster dose will no longer be required to fill out the Travel Declaration Form. These measures are in place until at least March 31.
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. Most businesses can now open at 75 percent capacity.
Workers in multiple types of private businesses must be fully vaccinated and have received a booster dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.
International Travel Restrictions
All travelers, except those with proof of having received a booster dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, must complete a Travel Declaration Form before departure for Puerto Rico. Travelers must also continue to 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.
