WILLEMSTAD - Avoid crowds. That remains the starting point for the time being when letting go of the precautions. The figures make it possible to allow more, but always on the condition that people adhere to the basic rules to prevent infections.
As already indicated last weekend, outgoing Prime Minister Eugene Rhuggenaath announced more easing yesterday. These apply starting tomorrow May 19. The starting point is that crowds, both in public spaces and at home, must be avoided.
The curfew, toke de keda, has been moved to 11 pm and last until 4:30 am. In addition, there are various easing, but always under certain conditions and with the warning: keep your distance, wear a face mask if necessary and observe the hygiene rules. Beaches are open again from 4:30 am to 8:00 pm, but only for groups of up to four people or people who live together in the house.
Parties and BBQs on the beaches are not allowed. Restaurants remain open until 10 p.m. and may also receive customers indoors, but the tables must be at least two meters apart and a maximum of fifty percent of the capacity may be occupied. Catering establishments without a restaurant permit still must wait; they may only serve drinks at tables with a maximum of four people and must close the doors at 8 pm.
Owners of the trùk'i pan (food trucks) are also asked to be patient with the restriction of only 'delivery' and 'curbside pick-up'.
Cautiously, more people can be together at the same time, as long as it does not end in parties with loud music. In public areas, a maximum of four people still applies, but people are allowed to receive ten guests at home, outside in the garden or on the porch. Sports is allowed everywhere again; outside, under certain conditions, with the public, but inside the stands will remain empty for the time being.
Letting go of the measures step by step goes hand in hand with the national dialogue, Asamblea Bibando, which took place last week. "As a crisis team we listened," says Prime Minister Rhuggenaath.
“What we have now decided has happened after consultation with representatives of the various sectors. And of course we took into account in our considerations that the general wish on the island is to return to a more normal life.”
But that the government has given in to outside pressure is out of the question. Rhuggenaath: “We make decisions based on science and consultation. The island has to reopen, but it has to be done in a responsible and safe manner.”
The relaxations apply to everyone. The government makes no distinction between people who have and those who have not been vaccinated. "Precisely because we respect everyone's choice," says Rhuggenaath. This also applies to the obligation of a PCR test before departure from the Netherlands and other high-risk countries in combination with an antigen test on the third day after arrival.
"After vaccination you are protected against corona infection, but never 100 percent," says epidemiologist Izzy Gerstenbluth. "You can relax if we look at the figures, but we have to remain cautious." This has to do with the variants that are more contagious than the original corona virus and the chance of becoming infected in countries with many infections, such as now the Netherlands.
“We build in extra safety with the antigen test after arrival. We can quickly trace and isolate a traveler who has been infected with a new variant.”
The national dialogue with representatives of different sectors on "how to proceed in a world with Covid-19" has resulted in a number of resolutions with proposals for the short and medium term. According to Rhuggenaath, the actions mentioned will be mapped and presented shortly.
"Professionals who took part in the sessions also offered to help implement the plan."