Aruba is slowly restarting its economy and preparing for a possible restart of the airport. As of now this is scheduled to be between June 15 and July 1. The local tourism authority expects between 1000 and 2000 travelers to visit our island after the lockdown is removed. The reduction in visitors (before the crisis Aruba had a minimum of 20.000 visitors per week) is based on research among US travelers and lower occupancy of passengers announced by airlines that service Aruba.
The reopening of the borders is being discussed with various stakeholders such as Aruba Airport Authorities (AAA), Aruba Tourism Authority (A.T.A.), Aruba Hotel and Tourism Association (AHATA) and the Public Health Department (DVG). The Tourism-minister informed that in the government’s point of view the longer Aruba waits to reopen the borders, the longer the economic crisis will continue.
Airport measures.
On arrival at the Queen Beatrix International Airport you will encounter thermal cameras, screening with a checklist of questions and tests to be executed for suspected cases. The tests will show results within one hour and in the case of a positive outcome the visitor will have to stay at a designated isolation property. The hospital will take care of any further medical follow up. For travelers who already have a trip booked and are concerned about their travel dates, please contact your hotels and airlines directly for an update on their rescheduling policies.
Hygiene certificate.
When you can be back to One Happy Island, your health and well-being will be our top priorities, so A.T.A. launched the Aruba Health & Happiness Code label, a hygiene certificate for all Aruba tourist premises. When you’re back just look for this certificate in local businesses, which will assure you that the hygiene measures taken there will guarantee your health and well-being. The Aruba Health & Happiness Code is a “stringent” cleaning and hygiene certification program that will be mandatory for all tourism-related businesses. The guidelines call for extra cleaning during luggage handling, elevator safety, housekeeping guidelines, food and beverage service, casinos, and more. As for visitors, they should “expect such measures as Plexiglas barriers at desks, digital keys and contact-less check-in, thorough disinfecting of all public spaces and rooms, and more.” These protocols, A.T.A. informed, will also extend to national parks and tourism attractions.
To our cherished visitors currently on-island.
The Government of Aruba has shared the following updates. All the below measures will be in effect until further notice.
- Shopping malls, cinemas, churches, and outdoor sporting activities may open under strict protocols.
- Starting May 25, 2020, outdoor restaurants, barbershops, beauty salon, and child care facilities may open.
- Curfew hours as of May 25th are 12 midnight to 5am and business closing hour is 10pm. Curfew ends all together, on Thursday, May 28th. The Chief of Police, reports that an increase in criminal activity is expected once the curfew is eliminated. Police will continue to carry out traffic controls and will focus on public order.
- All non-essential establishments will close by 9pm daily, except for the pharmacy on call which remains open for 24 hours.
- Casinos, massage parlors, spas, bars, and nightclubs will not open yet.
- Gas stations will remain open until 9pm.
- For more information on government protocols visit arubacovid19.org
- For more information on ongoing schedule changes of carriers operating to and from Aruba’s Airport in the future, please also visit airportaruba.com.
- For visitors displaying symptoms of the coronavirus, please call Aruba’s COVID-19 Hotline: (+297) 280 0101.
- Please continue to follow the advice of the World Health Organization.
Here are the latest numbers regarding coronavirus cases in Aruba (updated Wednesday, May 27):
- Active Cases – 1
- Recuperated – 97
- Quarantine – 158
- Total Tests -2091
- Negative Results – 1990
- Deaths – 3
