WILLEMSTAD – The government of Curaçao has declared a state of emergency on the island for ninety days. Prime Minister Eugene Rhuggenaath announced this on Thursday during a press conference. The state of emergency gives the police of Curaçao more options for enforcing the COVID-19 measures, such as handing out fines.
Last week, legislation was amended to allow for the declaration of a state of emergency. This controversial emergency law allows the government to take faster and more measures in the event of a war, natural disaster or virus outbreak. This so-called state ordinance exceptional situation was presented six months ago, but was delayed by several protests including from the opposition parties in parliament.
The declared state of emergency does not change the current COVID-19 rules in Curaçao. Face masks are currently compulsory in shops, public transport and in places where you cannot keep a distance. In addition, there is a curfew from 9 PM to 4:30 AM. Shops and restaurants must close at 8 p.m. and the sale of alcohol is prohibited, except in supermarkets and hotels.
The Netherlands tightened the travel advice for Curaçao on Tuesday from code yellow to orange, which means that the advice applies to only make necessary trips to the country and to go into quarantine for ten days upon return. An exception previously applied to Curaçao, which resulted in a significant increase in holidays to the island.
