Almost a year after the 1st case of Covid-19 hit the island and was completely shut down for 3.5 months, Aruba鈥檚 tourism and economy is picking up bit by bit. Borders had been reopened for US Travelers, Europeans, and as per December 1st, 2020 we welcomed back our visitors of Latin America, South America and the rest of the Caribbean with the exception of Venezuela. 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 inhabiting our island.
There are currently (January 8th, closing of this edition) 538 active Covid cases on the island. 508 residents and 30 non-residents. There are 10 persons hospitalized of which 7 of them are in the Intensive care unit. A total of 71.418 persons have been tested of which 43.270 were tested at the airport. 50 persons lost the battle against Covid-19. Due to the amount of increase in cases these last days the Government of Aruba took some additional measurements in order to stop the spread as quickly as possible.
These are the decisions taken by the Government of Aruba up till today:
For Restaurants:
Max 4 per table.
No live musicians/entertainment.
No musical events that are intended to attract customers.
Background (non-live) music only in restaurants.
No dancing.
Boats on sea:
Maximum 4 persons on boats/yachts.
Avoid social events on boats.
Gathering Ban:
Maximum 2 persons together in public areas.
Shopping:
Only 1 person per family inside stores/supermarkets.
Masks required inside*.
(*Remember – Resort Elevators & hallways are inside areas)
Use masks when 1.5 meter is not possible.
Social events
Max 10 inside (if distance is possible) and聽25 outside (if distance is possible).
No contact sports.
No permits for public events will be granted.
Police can stop event if there is disorder.
New legal basis for fines is introduced which allows police to act more effectively against violations.
Still Operative
- Curfew (TDQ) from 11pm to 5am.
Business closing time is between 10pm and 6am.
Hotels and lodgings are exempted from the closing time,聽BUT only to serve their registered guests between 10pm and 6am.
Casinos are not part of the exemption and must close at 10pm.
- Ban on beaches and parking from 7pm to 5am.
(Licensed restaurants on the beach can operate until 10pm – customers to be seated at tables at all times, as per rules).
- Businesses are required to have a compliance officer.
- Business owners are asked to take responsibility for enforcement of rules.
Advice for travelers
Prior to travel, visitors should download the Aruba Department of Public Health鈥檚 Aruba Health App. A mobile resource for information on COVID-19 health procedures in Aruba, facilitation of the airport health screening, and faster results for Molecular PCR COVID-19 tests taken in Aruba.
Also as of November 1, 2020 a flat premium of $30 is applicable for new insurance policies for travelers over 14 years old. More information on travel and health requirements can be found on www.aruba.com.
