WILLEMSTAD – Prime Minister Eugene Rhuggenaath announced today during the press conference that the measures that were already in effect will remain in effect until January 11. “Despite the figures decreasing, we must maintain current measures. The holidays will therefore also take place under the current measures,” says the prime minister. The announcement is made after the evaluation of the measures took place last week.
The prime minister says that it is too premature to relax now, as more movements will take place at the end of the year. If the number of infections then increases, the measures will become even tougher, perhaps even a lockdown.
“Several countries now have a lockdown. Mexico and Suriname also have a lockdown. We know that the current measures will have consequences for the holidays.”
There is now also talk of a mutated virus. According to reports this virus is already in the Netherlands.
Rhuggenaath commends everyone who adheres to the measures. Unfortunately, there are still those who do not follow the rules. “People must not only adhere to the rules, but also to follow the various safety tips that the government gives. Rhuggenaath also calls on business owners to abide by the rules and to follow the tips.
It is understandable that it is especially difficult to comply with the measures during this end-of-year period. The prime minister says that if the community does not follow the rules now, Curaçao will see an increase in the number of cases again at the beginning of the new year.
The economy must also be considered. Now, the measures must remain in force for several more weeks. The government is in contact with the Gaming Control Board to see under what conditions the casinos can reopen. When a decision about the casinos has been made, it will be published, says the prime minister.
The purpose of the measures is to limit the number of infections. “We must prevent the virus from spreading. The number of new infections must be kept low. We do not want a third wave on Curacao like in other countries.”
