Rules and protocols are being reviewed and evaluated on a daily basis and adapted as per current situation by a crisis team, in order to protect each and every one visiting and residing our island.
Covid Status:
There are currently 2.991 active cases. 2.345 are residents and 646 non-residents. 181 deceased.
There are 14 persons hospitalized in Aruba of which 3 are in the ICU. Due to lack of staff at the hospital they have to send patients over to Colombia for treatment. There are currently 3 persons at the ICU in Colombia.
Vaccination Status:
A total of 84,191 of the total population has been vaccinated of which 78,627 persons received both shots of the vaccine and 5,564 received only the first shot. Children as young as 12 years are being vaccinated. For the senior population of 60 years and older a total of 21,794 received both shots and 995 received only the first shot.
Aruba is administering booster shots to persons 40 and older. As seen around the world, the booster shot provides that extra layer of protection against the Delta variant as well as the Omicron variant, reducing the possible effects when infected with either variant. Persons 40 years and older can now walk-in at the Centro Deportivo Betico Croes in Santa Cruz, from Monday to Friday from 8:00 am – 3:00 pm for their booster vaccine. You do not need an appointment for the Booster Shot.
The measures are as follows as of December 30, 2021
- Curfew: NO Curfew
- Closing Time: 12:00 am for all business for the exception of Casino’s which can stay open till 1:00 am
- Restaurants: Max. 6 people per table.
- Social Activities and Sports: Max. people: 60 indoors, 75 outdoors.
- Funerals: Max. people: 75 (if the space is adequately large enough)
- Area Ban 7:00 pm – 5:00 am
- Nightlife: Dancing is not permitted
- Entertainment: Max 5 musicians on stage.
- Gathering Ban: Max. 6 people.
- Shopping: 1 person per family
** Businesses are allowed to lit their pagara until 12:00pm on Deccember 31, 2021.
** Nightlife will be able to stay open until 1:00am on New Year’s day instead of 12:00 am.
The following measures remain applicable:
- Masks: Use of masks is mandatory inside at all establishments.
- Alcohol: Ban of alcohol on public roads: 24 hours.
- Social Distancing: Continue maintaining social distance.
New isolation and quarantine guidelines
The Crisis Team, after thorough consideration of the different advice and analysis, has changed the isolation and quarantine guidelines. Once a person gets a positive SARS-CoV-2 test result, the person should isolate for five days and avoid contact with others in the household. The five days of isolation start on the date the person received the positive test result.
If after five days in isolation you still have symptoms, you must continue to isolate until you no longer have symptoms. After 24 hours without any symptoms, the person should complete the form sent by email. Those living in the same house as the person who tested positive should quarantine for 5 days, starting on the day they had immediate contact with the person who tested positive and should wear masks at all times. The person who tested positive must inform others living in the same home about the positive test result. The isolation and quarantine protocols are included in the email sent to anyone who tests positive. Please be aware that the DVG will no longer contact those who tested positive or anyone living in the same household. The DVG urges those who tested positive to complete the form that sent by email and to provide information about everyone living in the same home that needs to quarantine.
New route to the Hospital Test Center
The drastic increase in Covid19 cases is causing more people to get tested. This is causing very long lines and congesting traffic around the hospital and even blocking important entrances for patients, visitors, and even the emergency entrance. This is causing a logistic headache for the hospital. In cooperation with the department of Infrastructure, DOW, and the Police Department, since December 30, 2021, an alternative route to the Test Center of the LabHOH is available. The alternative access route to the Test Center is via the roundabout near the Citgo Sasaki / Eagle Bowling, towards Gloria Cinemas, and straight to the Hospital. If you need to get tested at the Test Center of the LabHOH, please keep this new route in mind and follow the signs accordingly. There will also be hospital security to assist.
