Bonaire news on COVID-19 (Coronavirus) as of May 5, 2020.
News on COVID-19 from Bonaire’s Lt. Governor, Edison Rijna.
In the twice-weekly press conference on Tuesday afternoon, Bonaire’s Lt. Governor, Edison Rijna updated the island’s residents about recent developments in the fight against Coronavirus.
Mr. Rijna’s text is related in full below:
The figures to date in terms of the COVID-19 situation point out that 257 people were tested and not a single new positive case occurred.
As already announced, today and Thursday the COVID drive thru is open again. This way we want to continue testing more people, in order to ensure that the virus is presently no longer active on our island.
From tomorrow there shall be an easing of some of the previously taken measures of the emergency ordinance with regard to COVID-19. The community reacted particularly positive to the adjustment that we announced last Friday. The fact that from tomorrow on we can return to do more, such as going to the gym and going to school, does not imply that we return to the situation prior to coronavirus. It is a shared responsibility of all of us to ensure that we, and our family, comply with the social distancing and hygiene rules. We must accept that our lives have changed and that these changes may continue for quite a while.
Today, I shall keep my statement short in order to save more time for the Commissioner Nina den Heyer of Social Affairs and Elvis Tjin Asjoe, Commissioner of Finance to provide information about themes that are particularly important to every citizen of our island. They will elaborate on the efforts that the Executive Council made and is still making to reduce the socio-economic effect of the coronavirus on the island to a minimum.
Finally, an appeal to everyone to be ‘corona smart’ in the new phase that we start tomorrow. That means that we respect the social distancing and personal hygiene rules and that not more than 50 people shall be at a location at the same time. This way, together we continue the fight against coronavirus.
News on COVID-19 from the Central Dialogue.
The Central Dialogue is the consultation platform made up of the Chamber of Commerce, ROW, USIBO, and the local government.
The Central Dialogue appreciates the enormous efforts of the Island Policy Team (EBT). Everything indicates that sufficient measures have been taken in time to protect public health. In the meantime, the Executive Council focuses on the possibilities to minimize the social and economic consequences. The government cannot do this alone. Central Dialogue plays an important role by bringing together not only knowledge but also a great deal of practical experience from all those involved. An integrated approach is required at this time.
“Everyone is convinced that in this special time it is more necessary than ever to work together. Only with each other, by joining forces, will we get through this as an island well,” said Deputy of Economic Affairs Elvis Tjin Asjoe, who temporarily took over the chairmanship of the CD while Jan Willem van den Braak is in the European Netherlands.
The initial working group is tasked with analyzing how the support measures already taken are working out in practice and whether adjustments or additions are needed. Public health is paramount for the Central Dialogue, but once medical experts consider it justified to restart the economy, it is important to be well prepared. The second working group, therefore, is looking at scenarios for when the restrictive measures (such as the entry ban) are scaled back.
Health Alert from the U.S. Consulate Curacao.
For any U.S. citizens on Bonaire, or on Aruba or Curacao, who wish to return to the States, the U.S. Consulate Curacao has arranged another repatriation flight. Details are noted below from their health alert of May 4, 2020.
Health Alert: BOOK NOW Humanitarian Flight Information for Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao – U.S. Consulate General Curacao (May 4, 2020)
Location: Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao
Event: Humanitarian Flight to Fort Lauderdale on May 17 Operated by Spirit Airlines
The U.S. Consulate is pleased announce that Spirit Airlines will operate a humanitarian flight on May 17, 2020. The flight will depart from Queen Beatrix International Airport (AUA) in Aruba, board additional passengers in Cartagena, Colombia, and then proceed to Fort Lauderdale – Hollywood International Airport (FLL) in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Passengers in Bonaire and Curacao will have an option to use Divi Divi airlines to transit to Aruba to catch this flight (also arranged by the U.S. Consulate General in Curacao). Passengers in Bonaire and Curacao should contact the U.S. Consulate immediately (ACSCuracao@state.gov) to receive additional instructions for those Divi Divi flights.
This Spirit Airlines flight has been made available to allow U.S. citizens and Legal Permanent Residents to return to the United States. Please contact Spirit Airlines directly for seat availability, reservations, and pricing information.
SPIRIT AIRLINES FIGHT NUMBER: NK#6333
SUNDAY, MAY 17, 2020
DEPARTS Aruba at 1:00PM
ARRIVES Ft. Lauderdale at 5:55PM
THIS FLIGHT CAN ONLY BE BOOKED ONLINE.
If you are interested in returning to the United States, please take advantage of this flight. The U.S. government cannot guarantee the ability to arrange flights indefinitely. U.S. citizens should return immediately to the United States, unless you are prepared to remain abroad for an indefinite period.
The last Spirit Airlines flight sold out well before the departure date so it is in your best interest to purchase these tickets immediately before they sell out.
IMPORTANT:
Due to current travel guidelines in the United States, persons who have been in China, Iran, or certain European countries within 14 days prior to the flight will not be allowed to board this flight.
Onward connections from Fort Lauderdale, Florida are available.
Only support animals registered 48 hours in advance in full compliance with Spirit’s normal policy for support animals will be permitted.
Normal services (food service, water fountains, etc.) at airports are closed.
(Source: STINAPA)
