WILLEMSTAD - The Netherlands will be a high-risk area for Curaçao from Monday 19 July. This means that all passengers must have a PCR test taken at least 72 hours before their flight to Curaçao.
This also applies to people who have already been vaccinated twice and also to Curaçaoans who have been on vacation and are returning.
Prime Minister Gilmar 'Pik' Pisas announced this on Thursday. According to the premier, all passengers on Hato must be able to hand over a negative test result. Everyone must have an antigen test three days after arrival. Visitors who prove positive must remain in isolation for ten days. The antigen test is already mandatory in Curaçao.
Epidemiologist Dr. Izzy Gerstenbluth emphasized that figures show that 93 of the visitors actually have taken such a test. Curaçao is introducing the obligation for a PCR test not only because of the increasing figures in the Netherlands, but also because of the increase on the island itself. Curaçao is experiencing a rapid increase in the number of infections. On July 7, twenty active infections had been registered, by July 15 that had increased to 185.
The government also announced that more checks will be carried out at nightlife venues. Furthermore, Pisas made an emotional appeal to everyone in Curaçao to adhere to the rules. This means, among other things, being consistent in wearing a face mask when visiting shops and in public spaces and adhering to the rules of social distancing.