ORANJESTAD –In connection with the Coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic, the Government of Aruba took the following crisis measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
- Starting March 19, 2020, all casinos, movie theaters and gyms must close. Sports activities in groups are not allowed. All establishments, shops, restaurants and businesses must close at 8.00 pm. This also applies to hotels bars and restaurants. Exceptions: Pharmacies on duty, restaurants that serve foods through the drive-thru windows and delivery, Gasoline stations with payment via window. These establishments must close at 10:00 pm;
- Schools are closed starting Monday, March 16 till March 31, 2020. This measure applies to schools, daycare centers, and all organizations that are in charge of the education and care of our children. After this date the situation will be evaluated.
- All public events are canceled till March 31, 2020. This entails all government activities and all private activities that received a police permit.
- Residents that return to Aruba must self-quarantine for 2 weeks.
- As per Tuesday, March 17, 2020, till March 31, 2020, the entry of travelers (inbound flights) will be restricted, except for legal residents and cargo.
- Contact numbers for residents of Aruba stuck abroad (because of the border closure) are: 569-6897, 5689251 of 5637928. Please take into account: You can also call via Whatsapp or send a Whatsapp text message; You must be a citizen meaning you must be registered in the civil registry of Aruba; The USA airlines require 2 types of ID, as proof that the person is a resident of Aruba (ID card). Latin American airlines do not have this requirement. Persons who were send abroad by AZV, must call AZV to make arrangement to return to Aruba and must show the AZV card. Unfortunately the border with Venezuela is totally closed, hence citizens cannot return. We advise persons stuck in Venezuela to contact the Dutch Ambassador in Caracas.
- Since March 14, 2020, the Queen Beatrix International Airport elevated its control on flights arriving from other countries that do not fall under the travel restriction.
- Visits at nursing homes are prohibited.
- Government departments will operate with minimal staffing.
Now we must focus on containing and preventing the transmission of the virus. We urge everyone to comply with these measures. These measures were taken in close consultation with the crisis committee of the Government of Aruba. Those most at risk for serious complication from COVID-19 are people older than 60 years and people with chronic diseases.
Prevention
- Wash your hands as frequently as possible with soap for 20 seconds or use hand sanitizers with at least 60% alcohol..
- Avoid physical contact, greet one another without shaking hands, hugging or kissing.
If you are sick, STAY home.
