Bonaire’s COVID-19 situation means additional measures.

Due to Bonaire’s COVID-19 situation, additional measures have been added and will extend through January 3, 2022. Yesterday, Lieutenant Governor Edison Rijna announced additional measures, such as mandatory face masks indoors as well as other measures.

Below is a transcript of the latest announcement.

We are going through difficult times right now. The COVID-19 infections are still rising on our island, while at the same time, we are preparing for the holidays at the end of this year. They are important celebrations for each of us to celebrate with friends and family. This time of year is also very important for the economy of our island. We are in the high season and expect many tourists to visit our island.

On the one hand, we have the holidays coming up. On the other hand, covid infections continue to rise, as we see in the rest of the world. In practice, it appears that the vaccines work very well against hospital admissions. But we also see that fully vaccinated people can still become infected and pass on the virus.

Fundashon Mariadal is doing everything they can to give us the proper care. The Public Health Department also does its utmost to test everyone who needs it and does source and contact research.

The increasing infections mean that healthcare staff must do their job under increasing pressure. Due to the high number of infections, the Public Health department is forced to adjust the source and contact investigation. Infected persons are now responsible for informing their close contacts. The close contacts must then quarantine on their own initiative if they have run any risks.

Today we have 210 active infections. Of the latest infections, 50% of the source of the infections is unknown. The Public Health Department has noticed that people who have complaints or have had close contact with an infected person do not always get tested. I very much regret this because there are infected children and adults walking around who can infect others unnoticed.

In recent weeks, Public Health has also noticed that the virus mainly spreads in areas where there is little fresh air, such as at school or work. Fortunately, there are not many people in the hospital at the moment, but with these increasing figures, the hospital can fill up quickly again.

If we want to stop the further spread of the virus, we have to take measures. We can stop the spread if we reduce the number of contacts between people. That is why I have decided to take some additional measures. These measures will go into effect on Saturday, November 27th, and will apply until Monday, January 3rd. Of course, we always check whether the measures are still enough or too much and adjust the measures if the situation calls for it.

I urgently request every employer to let their staff work from home as much as possible and ensure that this is possible. There are also many infections in schools. The schools are doing their best to keep the number of infections as low as possible. For example, they work with fixed groups in the classroom and avoid contact between teachers and parents as much as possible. There is also regular ventilation in the classroom.

Together with the schools, it has been decided to make December 17th the last school day for this year.

I would like to ask everyone to receive all their visitors outside in the upcoming time, for example on the balcony. The maximum number of people that can get together at home or, for example, on the beach or kunuku is ten people, including roommates.

From Saturday, November 27th, it is mandatory to wear face masks in public indoor areas. People with a contact profession must also wear a face mask from Saturday.

It is allowed to organize events with a maximum of 100 people. Events may only take place outdoors. It is no longer allowed to dance and sing by the public during the event. These are high-risk activities that are not appropriate for the current serious situation.

This also applies to the catering industry. It is no longer allowed to sing and dance inside or outside. At events, as well as in the catering industry, people must have a permanent seat.

Sporting events are allowed to continue. No public is allowed inside. 50% of the public is allowed to be present outside.

We will be sending an invitation in the coming days to meet with the hospitality industry, event organizers, and sports organizations to discuss this in more depth.

From November 27th, it is mandatory for both vaccinated and unvaccinated people to go into quarantine if they have been in contact with an infected person or an infected housemate. With this, we follow the new guidelines of the RIVM. After five days of quarantine, you can take a test at Public Health. Once you receive a negative test result, you can leave quarantine. A person who tests positive must remain in isolation at home and follow the advice of Public Health.

Employers can contact SZW to receive compensation for people who are quarantined or infected.

The entry conditions will change with effect from November 30th. From then on, fully vaccinated people traveling to Bonaire can choose whether to do an antigen test 24 hours before departure or a PCR test 48 hours before departure. Travelers who are not or not fully vaccinated must do a PCR test 48 hours in advance. Currently, it is still possible to travel from the sister islands to Bonaire without a test if one is fully vaccinated.

Finally, I would like to address the people who have not been vaccinated. Be aware that you are especially vulnerable if you are not vaccinated. If you have a medical condition and are not vaccinated, you are doubly vulnerable. Therefore, I advise you to avoid groups of people. Please keep that in mind and take good care of yourself.

I would like to ask everyone to always keep 1.5 meters away. If you want to meet with your friends and family, do it in the open air. We all want to spend the holidays happily with our loved ones, and this is possible if we all stick to the rules.

The list of countries per risk level has been updated.

The COVID-19 situation is constantly changing and it is monitored closely by the government. Below you will find the latest chart. Before you travel, be sure to double-check your country on the latest list.