WILLEMSTAD - The bells are ringing on Curaçao on Wednesday because of the corona crisis. Prime Minister Eugene Rhuggenaath, together with the Council of Churches, declared March 18 as a day of national prayer.

At half-past twelve in the afternoon local time, there is a service in the historic Fort Kerk in Fort Amsterdam with leaders of the various religious communities on the island. This service is broadcast live. At the beginning of the service, all church bells ring on the island. Motorists are asked to turn on their headlights at that time.

According to the Council of Churches, prayers are being held to protect the island from disaster in the context of the corona crisis.