There are indications that not everyone involved is complying with the instruction to voluntarily quarantine themselves. It regards mainly islanders who were able to return from abroad despite travel restrictions imposed due to the coronavirus threat. Some have questioned the decision to allow that, but might think differently if it regarded their own loved ones.
In fact, few countries would ban their citizens from coming back home unless an absolute necessity. Aruba has just done so after its number of confirmed COVID-19 cases jumped by nine to 28 in 24 hours and the whole population must now “shelter in place.” Their experience again illustrates the importance of people obeying relevant orders such as self-isolation and social distancing issued by competent authorities.
A doctor in Curaçao personally saw two people who recently arrived at a funeral. He said they felt the quarantining request did not apply to them.
And it’s not about possibly infecting just a few persons. Once local transmission starts there can be huge outbreaks with all consequences, as neither the Dutch nor French side has the required medical facilities and capacity to handle a great number of patients.
So, it remains essential that these folks meet their civic responsibility and do what is right not only for those in their immediate vicinity, but the community in general. Like the Bible says: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you,” otherwise referred to as the golden rule.
