The US has posted an alert for the Dutch Caribbean
WILLEMSTAD - Epidemiologist Izzy Gerstenbluth during Tuesday’s daily briefing indicated that in total 217 people have been tested. Up to then 13 were positive for the COVID-19 virus. As already known, one has died, one is currently in the hospital, four are isolated at home and seven have recovered from the virus.
Some 32 persons are still being monitored actively and 9 per cent of those who returned to the island after the measures were announced are still in their 14-day mandatory quarantine.
Meanwhile, the US Consulate in Willemstad announced a Health Alert for Dutch Caribbean. It said the governments of Aruba, Curaçao, Sint Eustatius and Sint Maarten all have confirmed cases of COVID-19 in their respective countries. There are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 reported in Bonaire and Saba
On March 14, the Department of State authorized the departure from any diplomatic or consular post in the world of US personnel and family members who have been medically determined to be at higher risk of a poor outcome if exposed to COVID-19.
“The governments of all six islands of the Dutch Caribbean have implemented enhanced screening and quarantine measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Travellers should be prepared for travel restrictions to be put into effect with little or no advance notice. U.S. citizens who are considering returning to the United States are urged to work with their airlines to make travel arrangements while flights are still available.
“All six islands of the Dutch Caribbean have barred admission to travellers who are not legal residents of the respective island. Commercial flights to the United States from Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, and Sint Maarten have ended. The ability to transit Sint Maarten for a connecting flight has also ended.
“Options to return to the United States from Curaçao via transfers to Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport still exist. U.S. citizens can transfer at Schiphol Airport, but are not allowed to leave the airport.
Curaçao currently has a KLM flight departing on Wednesday, April 8 to Amsterdam where U.S. citizen passengers could transit back to the United States. Contact KLM directly to book these tickets.
“If you are a U.S. citizen attempting to return the United States from the Dutch Caribbean and have been unable to secure a commercial flight, please click here and complete the information request form. A request form must be completed for each person wishing to return to the United States. This information will be used only to measure interest and feasibility in determining alternative options, such as charter flights, to return.
“You should also continue to seek any other alternative to return to the United States in the meantime (through Amsterdam, for example, if possible) as charter flights are neither confirmed nor definite. We thank you for your patience as we process this information and look for options to assist your return to the United States.”
The governments of all six islands have implemented measures to limit the spread of COVID-19. Schools and universities are closed, sporting events, festivals, and large gatherings have been banned.
The governments of Aruba, Curaçao, and Sint Maarten have issued 24-hour “shelter-in-place” orders.
“Anyone resident in Aruba, Curaçao, or Sint Maarten cannot leave their homes except to perform essential functions (purchase groceries/medications, purchase fuel, or visit the hospital for a life-threatening emergency). Only one person per family is allowed to perform these essential functions.
“Additionally, Aruba, Curaçao, and Sint Maarten have implemented curfews between 8:00pm – 6:00am (Aruba and Sint Maarten) and 9:00pm – 6:00am (Curaçao) where it is not permitted to go outside, even for essential functions, except for a medical emergency.”
Effective March 16, U.S. Consulate General Curaçao has suspended routine U.S. visa services. For emergency American Citizens Services, including emergency passports, please visit our website for additional information https://cw.usconsulate.gov/u-s-citizen-services/.
Many travellers worldwide have reported unexpected flight cancellations and limited flight availability. “If your travel has been disrupted, please contact your airline.”
The Department of State has issued a Global Level 4 Health Advisory for COVID-19. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level 3 Global COVID-19 Outbreak Notice.
Actions to Take:
Consult the CDC website for the most up-to-date information.
For the most recent information on what you can do to reduce your risk of contracting COVID-19, please see the CDC’s latest recommendations.
Visit the COVID-19 crisis page on travel.state.gov for the latest information.
Check with your airlines, cruise lines, or travel operators regarding any updated information about your travel plans and/or restrictions.
Visit our Consulate webpage on COVID-19 https://cw.usconsulate.gov/news-events/covid-19-information/ for information on conditions in the Dutch Caribbean.
Visit the Department of Homeland Security’s website on the latest travel restrictions to the United States.
