Critical Alert
Aruba reduces coronavirus disease-related curfew to 0001-0500 as of Oct. 7. Other travel restrictions are unchanged.
Alert Begins 07 Oct 2020 09:49 AM UTC
Alert Expires 28 Oct 2020 11:59 PM UTC
- Incident: COVID-19 restrictions
- Location(s): Islandwide
- Time Frame: Indefinite
- Impact: Transport and commercial disruptions
Summary
As of Oct. 7, authorities in Aruba have scaled back the territorywide nightly curfew to 0001-0500, following a decrease in confirmed coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases. All commercial establishments are now required to close by 2300, instead of 2200. Officials have not announced any changes to other previously announced business and internal movement restrictions; as of Oct. 7, these include:
- Individuals are required to use facemasks in all indoor public spaces, as well as on public transport and tour buses.
- All family parties in homes are prohibited.
- All large gatherings in the workplace are to be avoided.
- Social and public gatherings of more than four people are prohibited.
- Restaurants may operate with seating capacity limits. Bars, nightclubs and rum shops must stay closed, and musical entertainment is suspended.
- Funerals are to be limited to 25 people in attendance. Churches may offer services under strict operating protocols.
- Beach weddings are only permitted with up to 25 people in attendance.
- Visits to elderly care homes are prohibited.
- All contact sports and indoor group sports are prohibited.
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
Travelers from Mexico, Central America, and South America will remain banned from entering Aruba until further notice. Only travelers from the Caribbean (excluding Haiti and the Dominican Republic), Canada, Europe, and the US, may enter. Cargo and emergency flights at Queen Beatrix International Airport (AUA) are allowed to operate normally. Enhanced health screenings and requirements are in place for arriving passengers, with additional requirements in place for travelers from US states classified as high-risk. All travelers are required to complete a digital Embarkation-Disembarkation Card (ED card) and must purchase mandatory COVID-19 health insurance prior to travel.
The list of US states with high incidences of COVID-19 cases remains unchanged since Sept. 24, and includes Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming. Travelers from these states must provide proof of having tested negative for COVID-19 prior to traveling to Aruba via the ED card system; they will not be able to use testing facilities at the airport upon arrival.
Travelers from the remaining US states and approved countries are not required to submit proof of having tested negative for COVID-19 prior to arrival; however, any persons arriving without such documentation 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.
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