Crisis measures by the Government of Aruba in connection with Coronavirus COVID-19

February 4, 2022

• Closing Time (Establishments)
  1:00 am
   

• Closing Time (Casino)
  2:00 am
   

• Restaurants
  Max. 6 people per table, indoors and outdoors.
   

• Bars and Rumshops
  Max. 10 tables with 4 people at each, indoors and outdoors.
   

• Social Activities
  Social or Family: Max. 300 people indoors and 500 people outdoors.
   

• Commerce
  - Commerce is back at 100% capacity (cinemas, shops, supermarkets, churches).
  - Funerals are back at 100% capacity
   

• Masks
  The use of masks is obligatory inside all establishments, including gyms and schools.
   

• Night Clubs / Entertainment
  - Max. capacity of 300 people inside and 500 outside (space permitting).
  - Complete bands can now perform, no longer restricted to 5 members.
  - Dance floors and dancing permitted.
   

• Sport
  - Max. 300 people indoors and 500 outdoors can be present. 
  - All hygiene and social distancing protocols will be required, the Taskforce will be monitoring.
  - In the event of a violation of the protocols, the sporting event will be suspended.
   

• Gathering Ban
  Eliminated.
   

• Area Ban
  Eliminated.

December 29, 2021

Closing Time (Establishments)
12:00 am
 

Closing Time (Casino)
1:00 am
 

Restaurants
Max. 6 people per table.
 

Rumshop
Max. 4 tables with 4 people per table.
 

Entertainment
5 musicians on stage.
 

Social Activities
Social or Family: Max. 60 people indoors and 75 people outdoors.
 

Lighting of the Pagara 
Business owners can light their pagara at 12:00 pm on the 31st of December 2021; after 12:00 pm it is no longer permitted.
 

Stores
Max. 1 person per family with 1 shopping cart or basket.
 

Sport
Can continue without the general public. 
 

Funerals
Max. people: 75
 

Gathering Ban
Max. 6 people together.
 

Area Ban
7:00 pm - 5:00 am (public areas, including parking lots and beaches)
 

Alcohol Ban
Prohibition of alcohol on public roads: 24 hours.

September 2, 2021

Curfew
Is now eliminated.
 

Closing Time
12:00 am
 

Restaurants
Max. 6 people per table.
 

Actividad Social y Deporte
Max. people: 90 indoors, 125 outdoors.
 

Funerals
Max. people: 125 (if the space is adequately large enough)
 

Area Ban
7:00 pm - 5:00 am
 

Alcohol Ban
Prohibition of alcohol on public roads: 24 hours.
 

Nightlife
Dancing is not permitted.
 

Entertainment
5 musicians on stage.
 

Masks
Obligatory (indoors)
 

Gathering Ban
Max. 6 people.

​

August 22, 2021

Curfew
10:00 pm - 5:00 am
 

Closing Time
9:00 pm - 5:00 am
 

Gathering Ban
24 hours.
 

Restaurants and Establishments
Max. 4 people per table at a restaurant (indoors or outdoors)
 

Visits, Parties or Social Encounters
Home visits, parties, social encounters at a house or any other location is not permitted.
 

Commerce
Limited to 50% (cinema, stores, supermarkets, funerals y churches.)
 

Sport
Limited to training exclusively. Competitions are not permitted!
 

Masks
Use of masks is obligatory inside all establishments.
 

Alcohol
Prohibition of alcohol on public roads: 24 hours.
 

Social Distancing
Continue maintaining social distance.

Augustus 13, 2021

School
Schools will open on the 1st of September 2021, with the exception of school that can open online and daycares.
 

Entertainment
Entertainment in nightclubs or private parties is not permitted.
Background music and a maximum of one (1) musician are permitted.

August 7, 2021

• Masks
  The use of masks is now obligatory in the interior of any location.
   

• Closing Time
  12:00 am - 6:00 am
   

• Area Ban
  Prohibition of public areas; Parking Lot/Beach: 12:0 am - 6:00 am.
   

• Alcohol Prohibition
  The use of alcohol on public property is prohibited all day.

June 9, 2021

• Quarantine
  If you're vaccinated, you don't have to go into quarantine.
   

• Masks
  The use of masks is no longer obligatory, but it is recommended if you cannot maintain 1.5 meter of distance.
   

• Establishments
  Can still require the use of a mask in their establishment.
   

• Sport
  Organized sport is now permitted to the public and contact sport is also permitted.
   

• Area Ban
  Is eliminated.
   

• Hospitality
  - Sitting at a table is increased from 4 and 6 people to 8 and 10 people.
  - Sitting at a bar is now possible.
  - Musical Entertainment: no limits.

May 21, 2021

• Curfew
  Is eliminated
   

• Area Ban
  Is eliminated on the beach and reef. Is still active on public property from 7:30 PM.
   

• Closing time for Casinos
  1:00 AM

May 10, 2021

• Curfew
  12:00 AM to 4:30 AM
   

• Closing Time
  11:00 PM
   

• Gathering Ban
  Is eliminated.
  Mask requirements and social distancing of 1.5m are still valid.
   

• Restaurant
  The amount of people per table is max 8 (indoors) and 10 (outdoors).
   

• Sport
  Sports organized indoors by ASU, COA and IBISA are permitted. Indoors (no public) and outdoors (max 60 people).
  Contact sports are permitted exclusively for personsunder 18 years.
   

• Musicians
  Max 5 on stage. Dancing is not permitted.
   

• Funerals
  Max 60 people.
   

• Public/Political Activities
  Must go through Bureau Rampen Bestrijding.

April 26, 2021

• Curfew
  11:00 pm - 5:00 am
   

• Closing Time
  10:00 pm

• Area Ban
  7:30 pm
   

• All gyms can open according to strict protocol

• Drive by/thru
  - “Drive-by” or “Drive-thru” activities are permitted
   

April 9, 2021

• Measures that are in place will be prolonged for an additional 2 weeks.

• Schools will be reopening on Monday the 12th of April, schools must apply stricter measures; Hygiene measures, parents cannot enter the school premises, there cannot be physical contact between the teacher and the student, every student over the age of 13 must wear a mask on the school premises.

• Closing time will remain the same: 9:00 pm. It will be evaluated in a week.

• Curfew will remain the same: 10:00 pm to 5:00 am.

• Vaccination capacity has been expanded at Centro Libertador Betico Croes to vaccinate 3000 people per day.
  You can still register at MFA Noord, Paradera, Santa Cruz and Santa Teresita Center in San Nicolas.

​

March 26, 2021 - April 11, 2021

• Curfew
  10:00 pm - 5:00 am
   

• Closing Time
  9:00 pm
   

• Camping
  Is not permitted.
   

• Area Ban
  7:00 pm
   

• Gyms
  All gyms must close.

• Alcohol
  Drinking alcohol in public places like on the beach, in a parking lot, or on a reef is prohibited. Having alcohol in your possession to drink in a public place is also prohibited.
   

• School
  All schools will close three days before vacation, starting Monday, March 29, except for students in their exams, CP, or tests week. These students can attend school to do their tests.
   

• Limited Clientele
  - 1 person per family.
  - Supermarkets and Hardware Stores must limit their clientele to 50% by using 50% fewer carts or baskets.
  - It is also advised to wear a mask outside if a 1.5 m distance cannot be maintained.
  - Closing time is 9:00 pm.
   

• Gyms
  All gyms must close.
   

• Restaurant
  - Amount of adults at a table indoors and outdoors is limited to 4 max (kids under the age of 12 do not count under this rule).
  - Dancing is not permitted.
  - Bars will remain closed.
  - Not Permitted: to stand or sit at a bar, stand in a restaurant, one must be seated to receive service.
  - Closing time is 9:00 pm.
   

• Drive by/thru
  - “Drive-by” or “Drive-thru” activities are not permitted
  - Fast Food drive-thru's will remain open.
   

• During the Vacation
  - Camping or kids’ activities for school-aged children are not permitted.
  - Daycare facilities can stay open.

March 20, 2021

Changes in Management

• Restaurants
  Was: Indoors: 4 people max a table | Outdoors: 6 people max at a table
  Change: 2 people max at a table*
  * Exception: People living in the same residence can sit 4 at a table (indoors) and 6 (outdoors).
   

• No Social Activity at a residence is permitted:
  Was: 25 people max (outdoors) and 20 people max (indoors)
  Change: No Social Activity is permitted at a residence; 0 visitors (guests)
  Family visits (limited), care or medical visits are permitted.
   

• Funerals
  Was: 25 people max can be present
  Change: 10 people max can be present
   

• Gathering Ban
  Was: 4 people max
  Change: 2 people max
   

• Reminders
  Sports: It's still permitted for individual sports and team sports to take place without the public, gyms must follow hygiene and mask protocols.
  Protocols: Protocols of establishments, offices and schools are still applicable.
  Bars: Remains closed
  Entertainment: Limited to one (1) artist, dancing is not permitted.
  Curfew: Remains from 12am to 5am.
  Area Ban: Remains from 7pm to 5am.

March 5, 2021

• Sports

  • All organised and structured sports of all ages, is permitted without any limits on athletes coaches/trainers, but without the public.

  • Must pertain to the ASU, COA or be registered at IBISA.

  • Must register the names and date of those who train/compete with each other for a period of two weeks, every occasion and every age.

  • IBISA will supervise.

  • Bush League and Contact Sport of any age group is not permitted. 

​March 3, 2021

• Rules that are applicable for all funerals.

1. Masks must be used at all times.

2. The deceased cannot be taken home to bid farewell.

3. No handshakes, hugs or kisses permitted.

4. Maximum 25 people can be in the same location at a given moment, must maintain a distance of at least 1.5 meters.

5. No food or drinks are permitted.

6. If you feel sick, do not attend a funeral.

7. Family members who are in isolation or quarantine, cannot attend a funeral; for parents, children and siblings who are in isolation or quarantine, it can be arranged at another time to bid farewell at the funeral home with the competent authority. 

• Additional rule for a funeral in the case of death due to Covid-19

1. The casket cannot be opened during the funeral.

​

February 5, 2021
 

• Curfew

Starting tonight, the curfew will now be from 12 AM to 5 AM.

• Restaurants

Four people at a table (indoors) and six people at a table (outdoors).

• Gatherings ban

The maximum allowed is increased from 2 people to maximum of 4 people.

• Closing time

Starting tonight, the closing will now be 11 PM.

January 6, 2021

Curfew

• Curfew is from 11 p.m. - 5 a.m. is in effect through January 31, 2021

 Ban on gathering

• Max 2 people, exception: groups consisting only of 4 people forming a family or household. 

Zero tolerance policy 'Faya bo haya'.

• High fines will be imposed and must be paid immediately.

Area ban

• The area ban is valid from 19:00 onwards in all public areas, such as parking lots and beaches.

Permits

• No activity permits will be issued until January 31, 2021

 Social gatherings

• Limited to the available space
• Always keep 1.5 m distance
• No more than 10 people indoors and no more than 25 outdoors

Musical entertainment

• Musical entertainment is not allowed, not at home or in restaurants

 Activities on the water

• Agglomeration on boats is not allowed. Maximum of 4 people allowed per boat.
• Catamaran and Charters max 50% capacity

Shopping

• 1 person per family
• Outdoor use of facemask is mandatory if the distance of 1.5 meters is not possible.

Nursing homes

• Nursing homes will increase their safety protocols.

Sports

• With the exception of contact sports, all other sports activities are allowed as long as there are no more than 25 people in total at the sports activity outside and no more than 10 inside.
• The maximum number of people allowed includes coaches, referees, athletes, etc.
• Spectators are not allowed at any sporting activity.

Companies

• Maximum of 4 people per table allowed in restaurants, both indoors and outdoors.
• Musical entertainment is not allowed, only background music is allowed.
• Dancing is not allowed.

January 3, 2020:

• The curfew (11 PM to 5 AM) will be extended for an additional 4 days; from the 4th to the 7th of January 2021.

​December 29, 2020:

• Closing time for businesses will now be 10 PM with the exception of Hotels.

• Musical acts are permitted exclusively in establishments like restaurants and according to the rules and regulations of their protocol.

• Music outside of establishments is not permitted.

• Businesses are permitted to light their “pagara” [fireworks] on the 31st until 3 PM

• At residences it is permitted on the 31st of December to light fireworks until 2 AM of January 1st,

• Starting Wednesday 30th of December until the 3rd of January there will be a curfew from 11 PM to 5 AM.

• 1st of January the curfew will be from 2 AM to 5 AM.

December 10, 2020

• Musicians:

  • The amount of musicians on stage is expanded to; maximum 5 (indoors) and 10 (outdoors).

• Sport:

  • All sporting activities are permitted a maximum of 30 people (indoors) and 60 people (outdoors).

• Stores and Supermarkets:

  • It is permitted for 1 adult to enter with 2 kids under the age of 15 (until the age of 14).

​The protocols for masks and hygiene are all still valid.

The flexibilization of these measures are to be included in the Ministerial Decree which will be valid on the 14th of december 2020.

​December 5, 2020
 

​For 2 weeks:
 

• ​Establishments:

  • Restaurants:

    • Max amount of people at a table 8 (interior) and up to 10 (exterior).

    • No dancing.

    • Must maintain social distancing.

    • Must wear masks.

  • Rumshop/Bar​:

    • If they don’t serve food, they will remain closed.

  • Entertainment/Bands:​

    • Max amount of musicians/artists: 3 (interior and exterior).​

    • Musicians are responsible to stop people if they start dancing.

  • Store/Supermarket:

    • Limit of 1 person per family, with all rules and regulations.

    • Must maintain social distancing.

    • Must wear masks.

• Encounters:

  • Social/Family:​

    • Max amount of people 30 (interior) and up to 60 (exterior).

    • No dancing.

    • Must maintain social distancing.

    • Must wear masks.

  • Sport:​

    • Can continue with a measure of precaution, but WITHOUT the public in attendance

  • Funerals:

    • Max amount of people present at the moment: 30.

    • Must maintain social distancing.

    • Must wear masks.

Arubans have to test upon arrival at the airport and are urged to maintain themselves quarantined for 10 days regardless of a negative test result.​

• Starting October 25, between 12:00 am to 5:00 am.  the “area ban” is expanded to include parking lots or similar spaces accessible to the public .
• Starting October 22, at 12:00 am the curfew will be lifted.
• Starting October 22, an “area ban” from 12:00 am to 5:00 am in the beach areas/zones is introduced.
• Starting October 22, bingo games can exclusively be played via television or radio where crowds will not be formed or encouraged. At casinos this is not yet permitted.
• Starting October 23, establishments are permitted to have ‘ambient music’ performed by up to a maximum of 3 musicians under the established guidelines.
• Starting October 23, at 12:00 am there will be changes for travelers from Curacao and Bonaire where for them the Covid-19 test, quarantine and insurance will no longer be required.
• Starting October 7, 2020, curfew from 12:00 am to 5:00 am is in force.
• Starting October 7, 2020, closing time is now 11:00 pm.
• Starting September 18, 2020, the curfew is now from 10:00 pm to 5:00 am.
• Starting September 18, 2020, closing time is now 9:00 pm.
• Starting September 18, 2020, family parties at home are not permitted.
• Starting September 16, 2020, the use of masks is now obligatory for all persons in the interior of any location
• Starting September 10, 2020, the Task Force personnel, in charge of controlling persons in quarantine and isolation, has been doubled, and a fine of 1000 florins (one thousand) will also be issued to those who do not adhere to the rules.
• Starting August 28, 2020, curfew from 12:00 am to 5:00 am is in force.
• Starting August 28, 2020, large gatherings at the workplace must be avoided.
• Starting August 28, 2020, visiting family and family parties in groups of 4 people or more must be avoided. 
• Starting August 7, 2020, bars, nightclubs and rum-shops must be closed.
• Starting August 7, 2020, it is not permitted to organize family parties at home.
• Starting August 7, 2020, face masks are now mandatory in all locations (interior) and also on public transport.
• Starting August 7, 2020, only 25 people are allowed at funerals maintaining the protocol.
• Starting August 7, 2020, churches have to maintain themselves according to the protocol and singing is not permitted.
• Starting August 7, 2020, visits and admissions to elderly care homes homes are prohibited.
• Starting August 4, 2020, tables at restaurants cannot seat more than 4 persons (excluding children under the age of 12).  
• Starting August 4, 2020, no service is allowed at bar counters, namely to sit or stand at a bar. Hence no bar stools are allowed for seating.
• Starting August 4, 2020, no live musical activities or DJ’s are allowed.
• Starting August 4, 2020, no indoor group sports or indoor contact sport are allowed
• Starting August 4, 2020, no outdoor contact sports are allowed
• Starting August 4, 2020, social gathering of more than 4 persons in public spaces is not allowed.
• Starting July 10, 2020, borders will reopen for travel to the United States.
• Starting July 1, 2020, international borders for Europe, Canada and the Caribbean will reopen for travel with the exception of The Dominican Republic and Haiti.
• Starting June 15, 2020, “Bubble ABC” will begin, which includes; Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao. Travel is possible between the Dutch Kingdom Islands in the Caribbean without having to go into quarantine, but doing a medical screening or a test on arrival.
• Starting June 10, 2020, establishments for holding parties can open
• Starting June 10, 2020, bars and nightclubs can open (according to their closing time).
• Starting June 10, 2020, conferences and places to meet/gather can be reopened.
• Starting June 10, 2020, indoor sporting activities are permitted.
• Starting June 10, 2020, visiting Elderly care homes is permitted, following the protocol’s guidelines
• Starting June 1, 2020, Spa, Massage Services and Sauna's are allowed to reopen.
• Starting June 1, 2020, restaurants with inside seating are allowed to stay open till 10:00 PM
• Starting June 1, 2020, lottery kiosks and other lottery games will remain open till 6:30 PM. Casino's will remain closed for now.
• Starting May 28, 2020, the curfew is lifted, as stipulated in the AB2020No.80.
• Starting May 25, 2020, the curfew will be from 12 am to 5 am and all establishments must close by 10 pm, according to the AB2020No.78..
• On May 8, 2020, the Minister of Tourism, Public Health and Sport, Mr. Dangui Oduber, announced that the Aruban border will open tentatively between June15 and July 1, 2020.
• Starting April 28, 2020, the curfew has been adapted and is now in effect from 10:00 pm until 5:00 am. Exceptions are the pharmacies on duty and the hospital as stated in the Official Gazette AB2020No.62. 
• Starting Starting April 28, 2020, all establishments must close at 9.00 pm.  
• The ban on inbound flights will be extended until May 31, 2020, as announced by Prime Minister Mr. Evelyn Wever-Croes on April 20, 2020. Residents of Aruba
• who are stuck abroad (due to the border closure) can send an email to RegresoAruba@crisis.aw.
• The measures, pursuant AB2020No.52, remain valid till April 28, 2020 as announced by the Prime Minister mr. Evelyn Wever-Croes on April 15, 2020;
• Schools remain closed until May 11, 2020, as announced on April 9, 2020 by Minister of Education, Dr. Armando (Rudy) Lampe.
• E-mail for assistance for residents (inscribed in the civil registry of Aruba) stuck abroad: RegresoAruba@crisis.aw.
• These measures are valid till April 19, 2020, pursuant to AB2020No.46.
• Starting March 29, 2020, a Shelter in Place is into effect for the entire population, as announced in the AB2020No.43. This means that you are not allowed to leave the house, only for necessary things, such as buying food, going to the pharmacy, exercising or getting gas. The measures apply to non-essential groups. See overview of non-essential businesses/ activities. Businesses must instruct their customers that they must keep 2 meters apart. If the social distance rule is not enforced, companies will be closed and fined. A ban on gathering (loitering) has also been issued, in particular the prohibition of group formation in public space by 4 or more people, with the exception of families living under the same roof.   
• Schools are closed starting Monday, March 16 till April 20, 2020. This measure applies to schools, daycare centers, and all organizations that are in charge of the education and care of our children. After this date the situation will be evaluated. See letter of the Minister of Education.
• The curfew is still in effect from 9:00 pm until 6:00 am. Exceptions are the pharmacies on duty and the hospital as stated in the Official Gazette AB2020No.39. 
• Starting Tuesday, March 24, 2020, all bars and restaurant must close. Only exceptions are take-out, drive thru and food delivery. All establishments must close at 8.00 pm. Gasoline stations must also close at 8.00 pm.
• Starting March 24, 2020 it is prohibited to sell or offer lotteries, lotto, catochi or other forms of gambling.
• The decision was made that all residents (inscribed in the civil registry of Aruba) stuck abroad are allowed to return to Aruba.The Aruba Tourism Authority is in charge with the coordination of their return. Contact numbers for assistance or registration are: 569-6897, 5689251 of 5637928. Upon arrival these people will be placed in quarantine for 14 days.
• Starting Saturday, March 21, 2020, a compulsory curfew will be set from 9 pm to 6 am. Only vital groups are allowed to go to work, but employees of the vital authorities must be able to show proof of their employers to the police. Persons who do not observe the curfew can be fined up to AWG. 10,000.00. For more information, you may consult the Official Gazette AB2020no.38 of  March 2020, 2020.
• Starting Thursday, March 19,  2020, all casinos, movie theaters and gyms must close. Team sports activities are not allowed. All establishments, shops, restaurants and businesses must close at 8.00 pm. This also applies to hotels bars and restaurants. Exceptions: Pharmacy on duty, restaurants that offer  drive-thru and delivery service, Gasoline stations. only with service through the window. These establishments must close at 10:00 pm. Companies that do not adhere to the mandatory closing time can be fined up to AWG. 1000.00. For more information, you may consult the Official Gazette AB2020No.35.
• Schools are closed starting Monday, March 16 till March 31, 2020. This measure applies to schools, daycare centers, and all organizations that are in charge of the education and care of our children. After this date the situation will be evaluated.
• All public events are canceled till March 31, 2020. This entails all government activities and all private activities that received a police permit. 
• Residents that return to Aruba must self-quarantine for 2 weeks.
• As per Saturday, March 21 till March 31, 2020 Aruban residents are not permitted to return to Aruba (update March 19, 2020). For more information, you may consult the Official Gazette AB2020No.36. As per Tuesday, March 17, 2020, till March 31, 2020, the entry of travelers (inbound flights) will be restricted, except for legal residents and cargo. 
• Contact numbers for residents of Aruba stuck abroad (because of the border closure) are: 569-6897, 5689251 of 5637928. Please take into account: You can also call via Whatsapp or send a Whatsapp text message; You must be a citizen meaning you must be registered in the civil registry of Aruba; The USA airlines require 2 types of ID, as proof that the person is a resident of Aruba (ID card). Latin American airlines do not have this requirement. Persons who were send abroad by AZV, must call AZV to make arrangement to return to Aruba and must show the AZV card. Unfortunately the border with Venezuela is totally closed, hence citizens cannot return. We advise persons stuck in Venezuela to contact the Dutch Ambassador in Caracas.
• Since March 14, 2020, the Queen Beatrix International Airport elevated its control on flights arriving from other countries that do not fall under the travel restriction.
• Visits at nursing homes are prohibited.
• Government departments will operate with minimal staffing (see letter of the Prime Minister Mrs. Evelyn Wever-Croes in Dutch).

Now we must focus on containing and preventing the transmission of the virus. We urge everyone to comply with these measures. These measures were taken in close consultation with the crisis committee of the Government of Aruba. Those most at risk for serious complication from COVID-19 are people older than 60 years and people with chronic diseases. 

Prevention

• Wash your hands as frequently as possible with soap for 20 seconds or use hand sanitizers with at least 60% alcohol..
• Avoid physical contact, greet one another without shaking hands, hugging or kissing.  
• Watch the video about the spread of coronavirus
• Watch the video of the Department of Public Health.
• Watch the video of the Department of Public Health fight the transmission of Coronavrus  with Carl Roosberg- Galloway Jr. It starts with you

If you are sick, STAY home. For more information call 280-0101 free of charge.