Puerto Rico On Lock Down Until March 30 due to Coronavirus Crisis
Today Sunday March 15th, due to the ongoing Coronavirus situation in Puerto Rico and around the world, the Governor of Puerto Rico issued an Executive Order impacting everyone living and visiting Puerto Rico. This follows the State of Emergency that was declared for Puerto Rico on March 12.
You will find the full Executive Order here (in English)
Today’s Executive Order runs until March 30. So what does today’s announcement mean:
- Daily curfew from 9pm to 5am
- Majority of businesses will be closed daily, except for essential businesses such as Supermarkets, Pharmacies, Gas Stations, Medical Offices, Hospitals, Banks, Restaurants that offer drive through or delivery service.
- Businesses that are allowed to be open must be from 8am – 6pm
- The general public must remain in their homes unless they need to go to work, buy food, go to medical appointments.
- All tourist attractions and tours will be closed
- No large gatherings are permitted
- Public transportation will not operate
- Taxis and Uber will be operating and are allowed to operate during the curfew if they are transporting peole to and from the airport
- Travel to and from Culebra and Vieques will be strictly for residents of those two island
- Beaches will be closed
- Public schools and majority of private schools will be closed
- Colleges and Universities will not be holding in person classes and will be transitioning to online classes
The lock down may same extreme but based on the situations that have and are unfolding in Europe and also the United States, the Governor is hoping that these measures will prevent a major crisis happening in Puerto Rico.
To date there are 5 cases of Coranavirus (COVID-19) on the island. 3 cases come from Cruise Ships and 2 more from residents of Puerto Rico who had recently visited the United States or had recently been visited by a relative from the United States
The current Executive Order runs until March 30th, and will be reassessed daily, so there maybe changes as the days pass.
Tourists
Unfortunately tours, attractions and beaches will be closed and they will have to conform to the daily curfew. Hotels will be open but punlic spaces will be closed.
You will find the Executive Order guidelines for tourism activities here (in English)
Medical Needs
Hospitals and pharmacies will be open as will some doctors offices.
If you feel unwell with Coronavirus symptoms (feverm shortness of breath, dry cough) the island has a COVID-19 hotline available 24/7 – 787-999-6202. NOte you should not go to an ER unless the symptoms are life threatening. There are plans to have drive through Coronavirus testing, but these details are still being worked on
Airlines
Just like the USA direct flights from Europe will be restricted and only American Citizens and Permanent Residents will be allowed in.
Flights to and from the USA, the Caribbean and South America will still operate, but schedules may be limited.
Cruise Ships
The port of San Juan is closed to cruise ships and the three that were due to dock today diverted to Florida.
Coronavirus / COVID-19 Information
For more information about Coranivirus check out:
CDC Coronavirus Information and World Health Organization Coronavirus Information
