ORANJESTAD – Here is the latest update on the ongoing COVID situation in Aruba.
On January 9 2022, Aruba registered 700 new cases, of which 142 were non-residents. The number of active positive cases is 5.387, whereas the average daily cases over the past seven days total 831. The positivity rate stands at 64%.
Aruba in the fifth Wave:
In the first wave in March 2021, we reached 69 confirmed cases. The second wave in August 2020 registered 1630 confirmed cases. The third wave occurred at the end of 2020 and caused 700 confirmed cases but lasted longer. The fourth wave happened in July 2021 with 1076 registered cases, and the fifth wave started in December 2021.
Hospitalizations:
In August 2021, COVID-related hospitalizations reached an alarming level. The government imposed a curfew from 10:00 pm – 5:00 am. The hospital reached its full capacity and had no room to treat patients injured in car accidents. Consequently many patients were sent to Colombia for hospitalizations. During the 4th wave, the hospital almost entered into Code Black (where there are not enough beds to treat patients), and drastic measures were needed to ease the surge.
This 5th wave does not require any drastic measures so far, as there are only 21 patients in the hospital of which three are in the ICU and 19 on the general ward.
According to the Prime Minister, the current situation at the hospital is under control. This is the indicator for the authorities whether to impose more or fewer measures.
The Prime Minister emphasized that they are constantly searching for the right balance between healthcare and the economy.
The measures are as follows since 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
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.
Exceptions as of Jan 8, 2022
Persons that have received the booster shot (so all 3 vaccine shots) and persons that were infected with Covid within past 4 weeks no longer need to quarantine when a housemate tested positive.
