WILLEMSTAD - The number of active corona infections in Curaçao is increasing rapidly. In an absolute sense, this is still a relatively small number. After four new cases were found on Sunday, there are now eight registered cases.

It concerns local infections that are not all related to each other and the source of which has not been identified. Those involved have not recently traveled or been in contact with others who have recently been abroad. After the first cases in March, Curaçao seemed to have the situation under control. A total of 43 cases have been reported so far.

Dr. Gerstenbluth this morning during the press conference had his attitude of “don't worry and take it easy!' The epidemiologist takes into account that the virus will show up in more people, but that is no reason to panic.

Because it is unclear with the current local contamination where and from whom the contamination was contracted, there is a good chance that there will be more so-called clusters of contamination.

Gerstenbluth said that as far as is known, all infected people are in quarantine. They are monitored for two weeks, after which they are tested. With a negative test, they no longer pose a danger to their community.

If people comply with the measures, the virus will not have a chance to spread. This means that people should adhere to social distancing and should not be in large groups. Groups larger than 25 people are prohibited.

All music and dance activities are prohibited immediately. Choirs are no longer allowed to perform in churches. Visitors to retirement homes are required to wear a face mask and anyone who goes to a bar or restaurant must leave contact details. All major events had already been canceled.

The authorities on Bonaire are closely monitoring the developments on the neighboring island. It is considered to restrict free travel to and from Curaçao. Bonaire previously closed its borders to travelers from Aruba, where the number of active infections this weekend has risen to well over a thousand. In the Netherlands, negative travel advice applies to Aruba and Sint Maarten. Curaçao has (just like Bonaire) code yellow for the time being.