Below is a news archive of events related to COVID-19 in Aruba from March 6 through May 31, 2020. See: latest Aruba coronavirus (COVID-19) updates.
May 31, 2020 – No change – zero active cases. The number of active positive COVID-19 coronavirus cases remains at zero with total persons recovered at 98. Aruba’s total cases to date remains at 101. The number of quarantined persons stands at 161. There have been 3 deaths confirmed related to COVID-19. 6 persons have been tested since yesterday bringing the total to 2134 persons tested to date. There are no inconclusive test results at this time.
May 30, 2020 – Aruba remains with zero active cases. The number of active positive COVID-19 coronavirus cases remains at zero with total persons recovered at 98. Aruba’s total cases to date remains at 101. The number of quarantined persons stands at 161. There have been 3 deaths confirmed related to COVID-19. 11 persons have been tested since yesterday bringing the total to 2128 persons tested to date. There are no inconclusive test results at this time.
May 29, 2020 – No change – zero active cases. The number of active positive COVID-19 coronavirus cases remains at zero with total persons recovered at 98. Aruba’s total cases to date remains at 101. The number of quarantined persons has increased by 3 to 161. There have been 3 deaths confirmed related to COVID-19. 12 persons have been tested since yesterday bringing the total to 2117 persons tested to date. There are no inconclusive test results at this time.
May 28, 2020 – The only current active case in Aruba has recovered – Aruba now has zero active cases! Great news update today as the number of active positive COVID-19 coronavirus cases is now zero following the recovery of one more person. This person had been in the ICU and recovered fully.
May 28, 2020 – No change – 1 active case. The number of active positive COVID-19 coronavirus cases remains at just 1 with total recovered at 97. Aruba’s total cases to date remains at 101. The number of quarantined persons remains at 158. There have been 3 deaths confirmed related to COVID-19. 14 persons have been tested since yesterday with 2105 persons tested to date. There are no inconclusive test results at this time.
May 27, 2020 – Active cases drop to just 1 following 2 more recoveries. The number of active positive COVID-19 coronavirus cases has dropped to just 1 with total recovered increasing by 2 to 97. Aruba’s total cases to date remains at 101. The number of quarantined persons has dropped by 32 to 158. There have been 3 deaths confirmed related to COVID-19. 21 persons have been tested since yesterday with 2091 persons tested to date. There are no inconclusive test results at this time.
7pm Update: As of midnight tonight, the curfew that has been in force since March 21, will end.
From June 1, Aruba will be entering the 3rd level of reopening the local economy. As of this date, the following establishments will be allowed to reopen:
– Lottery sales outlets
– Restaurants with inside seating (patrons will be allowed until 10pm)
– Bakeries and Coffeeshops
– Spas, Massage salons and saunas
All hygiene and social distancing protocols will continue to be obligatory. Casinos and nightclubs will not be allowed to reopen just yet.
A definite date for reopening Aruba’s borders has not yet been announced. The government is still deliberating on certain specifics related to this step.
May 26, 2020 – No change: 3 active cases, 101 total cases. The number of COVID-19 coronavirus cases in Aruba remains at 101 and the number of active positive cases remains at 3. Total recovered remains at 95 while the number of quarantined persons has dropped by 5 to 190. There have been 3 deaths confirmed to date. 3 persons have been tested since yesterday with 2070 persons tested to date. There are no inconclusive test results at this time.
During a press conference yesterday evening, Aruba’s minister of tourism indicated that Aruba was getting ready to open borders and mentioned some protocols that would be put in place at the airport for example.
There would be thermal cameras at the airport and persons whose temperature was found to be at a level to warrant testing would be tested. This test result would be available within 1-1.5 hours.
Airport staff will be using a checklist with specific points to assess incoming passengers. Based on this checklist some passengers could be subject to testing.
Any passenger who tests positive will need to stay at a hotel designated for the purpose until such time as they test negative at which point they will be able to return to their country.
May 25, 2020 – No change in active cases – no tests since yesterday; quarantine number rises significantly. The number of COVID-19 coronavirus cases in Aruba remains at 101 and the number of active positive cases remains at 3. Total recovered remains at 95 while the number of quarantined persons has increased by 163 to 195. There have been 3 deaths confirmed to date. No persons have been tested since yesterday and 2070 persons have been tested to date. There are no inconclusive test results at this time.
May 25, 2020 – Curfew time change as of today and complete elimination as of May 28. Starting today, the curfew time will change to be from midnight until 5am. The curfew will also be no longer be in force as of Thursday May 28.
May 24, 2020 – No change in active cases as Aruba prepares for next step in reopening of the local economy. The number of COVID-19 coronavirus cases in Aruba remains at 101 and the number of active positive cases remains at 3. Total recovered remains at 95 while the number of quarantined persons has dropped by 3 to 32. There have been 3 deaths confirmed to date. 7 persons have been tested since yesterday bringing the total to 2070 persons tested so far. There are no inconclusive test results at this time.
As of tomorrow, May 25, the second phase of Level 2 reopening of the local economy will come into effect. Restaurants (outside seating only), barbershops and beauty salons, creches and childcare services will be allowed to reopen. Spas and massage services, bars, casinos and nightclubs will not be allowed to open just yet.
While an official reopening date for Aruba’s borders has not been set yet, the Aruba Airport Authority has reported that several airlines are getting ready to fly to Aruba from the US, albeit with significantly reduced schedules.
American Airlines, Delta Airlines, United Airlines and JetBlue Airways are set to offer 128 monthly flights collectively. This is a considerable reduction to normal scheduled flights during high season. American would normally have about 137 monthly flights and this will be reduced to 56. Delta used to have about 73 monthly flights and this would also be reduced to 12. United would have 101 flights and this will be cut drastically to just 1 weekly flight so 4 per month. JetBlue would be reducing from 129 to 56 monthly flights.
The above information is based on expected flights, of course things could change as demand and circumstances also change.
As regards flights from Europe, with KLM, the earliest available flight to Aruba shown on the KLM website as at today is July 5th. With TUI the earliest available Aruba flight date shown is June 20th.
However again the actual flight dates could change since no official date for reopening the borders has been announced.
A note about face masks. In Aruba there is currently no mandatory policy for the general public to wear face masks. It is however fairly common for staff at supermarkets, and other locations where an establishment’s staff are servicing the general public; to wear them, for their own protection and also that of their clients. Currently the decision to wear a face mask is being left to each person’s discretion – there is no mandatory obligation for the general public to do so.
May 23, 2020 – Status quo with 3 active positive cases and no new cases. The number of COVID-19 coronavirus cases in Aruba remains at 101 and the number of active positive cases remains at 3. Total recovered remains at 95 while the number of quarantined persons has dropped by 28 to 35. There have been 3 deaths confirmed to date. 2 persons have been tested since yesterday bringing the total to 2063 persons tested so far. There are no inconclusive test results at this time.
May 22, 2020 – Active cases remain stable at 3 with no new cases. The number of COVID-19 coronavirus cases in Aruba remains at 101 and the number of active positive cases remains at 3. Total recovered remains at 95 while the number of quarantined persons remains at 63. There have been 3 deaths confirmed to date. 13 persons have been tested since yesterday bringing the total to 2061 persons tested so far. There are no inconclusive test results at this time.
While closely monitoring local developments in terms of local COVID-19 transmission, Aruba continues to be pending for an official reopening date for borders, and while preparations are in full swing for Aruba to be prepared to receive visitors, an official reopening date has not been set yet.
May 21, 2020 – Active cases remain at 3 – no new cases. The number of COVID-19 coronavirus cases in Aruba remains at 101 and active positive cases remains at 3. Total recovered remains at 95 while the number of quarantined persons remains at 63. There have been 3 deaths confirmed to date. No persons have been tested since yesterday so the total number of persons tested to date remains at 2048. There are no inconclusive test results at this time.
As indicated below, a new curfew time period comes into effect tonight.
May 20, 2020 – Curfew time to change as of May 21. The new curfew time will be be 11pm to 5am as of Thursday May 21. Furthermore, police checks will be limited to checking persons on public roads. If persons are outside their houses but are on their own property, this will be allowed. Additionally, maritime traffic will be allowed for registered fishermen during the curfew but vessels will still be subject to control at any time by maritime police/coast guard personnel.
As previously announced, as of May 25th, restaurants with outside seating will be allowed to reopen, beauty salons and barbershops will also be allowed to reopen, as will gyms. All must comply with specific protocols defined by the Aruba government and Department of Health. Government departments will also be fully operational with all personnel as of May 25th. Social distancing and hygiene protocols will need to be adhered to at all times.
With regard to the registration of local businesses for the Aruba Health and Happiness code certification program, to date 83 retail businesses, 129 food and beverage businesses, 105 accommodations and 5 food trucks have registered for the program, with more expected. Car rentals, tour operators and activities operators, spas and casinos will be able to register as of next week. This program is in preparation for reopening Aruba’s borders. A specific date for reopening has still not been announced.
May 20, 2020 – Active cases drop to 3 with 2 new recoveries. The number of COVID-19 coronavirus cases in Aruba remains at 101 and active positive cases has dropped to 3. One person is in intensive care. Total recovered has increased by 2 to 95 while the number of quarantined persons has dropped by 2 to 63. There have been 3 deaths confirmed to date. 23 persons have been tested since yesterday bringing the total to 2048 persons tested so far. There are no inconclusive test results at this time.
May 19, 2020 – Active cases remain at 5 – no new cases or recoveries. The number of COVID-19 coronavirus cases in Aruba remains at 101 and active positive cases remains at 5. Total recovered remains at 93 while the number of quarantined persons has dropped by 36 to 65. There have been 3 deaths confirmed to date. 4 persons have been tested since yesterday bringing the total to 2025 persons tested so far. There are no inconclusive test results at this time.
We have been getting many questions about when Aruba’s borders will re-open. As yet, the Aruba Government has set no specific date for this to happen. Tentative indications have been given that this could be any time between June 15 and July 1, but there is absolutely no definite date as yet and this also depends on preparedness for handling incoming travelers in the light of COVID-19. Preparations are under way for local businesses to get certified under a new program for hygiene and sanitation protocols that is being introduced (Aruba Health & Happiness Code indicated below).
May 18, 2020 – Aruba introduces registration for the “Aruba Health & Happiness Code”. The Aruba Tourism Authority (ATA) in collaboration with the Department of Health (DVG) is soliciting registrations by Aruba businesses for the Aruba Health & Happiness Code program. The program has the objective of improving and certifying the hygiene and sanitation protocols for establishments in Aruba offering services to tourists. Initially establishments in the Food & Beverage (including food trucks), Accommodations and Retail/Shop (including supermarkets) sectors are required to register to be eligible for obtaining an Aruba Health & Happiness Code seal/certification. Once registered, eligibility will be determined following an on-site inspection to confirm compliance. In addition to the Food & Beverage, Accommodations and Retail/Shop sectors, solicitation for registration will also be offered in the coming days to other businesses in other tourism-related sectors. The Aruba Tourism Authority also announced that they are working on a mobile app for visitors, and using this app visitors would be able to verify which establishments comply with the Aruba Health & Happiness code.
May 18, 2020 – Active cases still stable at 5 – no new cases, no recoveries. The number of COVID-19 coronavirus cases in Aruba remains at 101 and active positive cases remains at 5. Total recovered remains at 93 while the number of quarantined persons has dropped by 4 to 101. There have been 3 deaths confirmed to date. 36 persons have been tested since yesterday bringing the total to 2021 persons tested so far. There are no inconclusive test results at this time.
May 17, 2020 – Active cases stable at 5 – no new cases. The number of COVID-19 coronavirus cases in Aruba remains at 101 and active positive cases remains at 5. Total recovered remains at 93 while the number of quarantined persons is 105. There have been 3 deaths confirmed to date. 15 persons have been tested since yesterday bringing the total to 1985 persons tested so far. There are no inconclusive test results at this time.
May 16, 2020 – Active cases remain at 5 – no new cases reported. The number of COVID-19 coronavirus cases in Aruba remains at 101 and active positive cases remains at 5. Total recovered remains at 93 while the number of quarantined persons is 105. There have been 3 deaths confirmed to date. 20 persons have been tested since yesterday bringing the total to 1970 persons tested so far. There are no inconclusive test results at this time.
May 15, 2020 – Shelter in place and ban on gatherings to be lifted as of May 18th. The Aruba government has announced that the shelter in place rule, as well as the ban on gatherings of 4 persons or more will be no longer be in effect as of Monday May 18th, as part of the Level 2 phase of reopening of the local economy. Schools will be allowed to reopen as of Monday – although several will not be reopening until at least May 25th to ensure that they are fully ready. Additionally shopping malls, churches and cinemas will be allowed to reopen, and construction projects will be allowed to resume as of May 18th also. Outdoor sports (except for contact sports) and training will also be allowed. No competitions will be allowed as yet. The curfew will also remain in effect until further notice. All social distancing and hygiene protocols are to be maintained throughout. As of Monday May 18th the emergency COVID-19 Call Center number 2800101 will also be phased out. Anyone experiencing typical symptoms (cough, sore throat, fever, loss of sense of smell or taste etc.) would need to call their doctor for diagnosis and further instructions.
In the second half of Level 2, planned for May 25, it is expected that restaurants (outside only), barbershops and beauty salons, creches and childcare services will also be allowed to reopen. Spa services, massage services, bars, casinos and nightclubs will not be allowed to open until further notice.
May 15, 2020 – Active cases stable at 5 and no new cases reported. The number of COVID-19 coronavirus cases in Aruba remains at 101 and active positive cases remains at 5. Total recovered remains at 93 while the number of quarantined persons has increased by 2 to 105. There have been 3 deaths confirmed to date. 13 persons have been tested since yesterday bringing the total to 1950 persons tested so far. There are no inconclusive test results at this time.
May 14, 2020 – Active cases drop to 5 with no new cases and 2 more recoveries. The number of COVID-19 coronavirus cases in Aruba remains at 101 and active positive cases has dropped to 5. Total recovered has increased to 93 while the number of quarantined persons has increased to 103 following an incoming repatriation flight from Amsterdam. There have been 3 deaths confirmed to date. 24 persons have been tested since yesterday bringing the total to 1937 persons tested so far. There are no inconclusive test results at this time.
Update note: we reported earlier that no persons had been tested since yesterday but this was based on data previously published by Aruba’s Department of Health (DVG) that has since been corrected. The number of persons in quarantine was also corrected from 104 to 103 based on adjusted DVG data.
May 13, 2020 – Active cases drop to 7 – no new cases. The number of COVID-19 coronavirus cases in Aruba remains at 101 and active positive cases has dropped to 7. Total recovered has increased to 91 while the number of quarantined persons remains at 54. There have been 3 deaths confirmed to date. 34 persons have been tested since yesterday bringing the total to 1913 persons tested so far. There are no inconclusive test results at this time.
May 12, 2020 – 8:00pm – We join all the people of Aruba and say “THANK YOU!” to all health workers and people working on the frontlines in the fight against COVID-19. We applaud you now and always!
May 12, 2020 – No changes for 4th straight day – 101 total cases to date, 9 currently active, 89 recovered. The number of COVID-19 coronavirus cases in Aruba remains at 101 and active positive cases remain at 9. Total recovered is also stable at 89 while the number of quarantined persons remains at 54. There have been 3 deaths confirmed to date. 9 persons have been tested since yesterday bringing the total to 1879 persons tested so far. There are no inconclusive test results at this time.
KLM has also announced a repatriation flight from Amsterdam to Aruba that will leave Schiphol airport on Wednesday May 13th at 12:15pm and will arrive in Aruba at 4pm Aruba time. The flight is open to citizens/residents of Aruba who are registered as residents with Aruba’s civil registry. The return flight will leave Aruba on May 14th at 4pm arriving in Amsterdam the following day on May 15th. Dutch citizens wanting to return to the Netherlands would be able to do so. A total of 100 persons will be allowed on the flight per leg.
May 11, 2020 – Status quo maintained – 101 total cases to date, 9 currently active, 89 recovered. The number of COVID-19 coronavirus cases in Aruba remains at 101 and active positive cases remain at 9. Total recovered is also stable at 89 while the number of quarantined persons remains at 54. There have been 3 deaths confirmed to date. 5 persons have been tested since yesterday bringing the total to 1879 persons tested so far. There are no inconclusive test results at this time.
May 10, 2020 – No change – 101 total cases to date, 9 currently active, 89 recovered. The number of COVID-19 coronavirus cases in Aruba remains at 101 and active positive cases remain at 9. Total recovered is also stable at 89 while the number of quarantined persons remains at 54. There have been 3 deaths confirmed to date. 14 persons have been tested since yesterday bringing the total to 1874 persons tested so far. There are no inconclusive test results at this time.
May 9, 2020 – No changes since May 8 – 101 total cases to date, 9 currently active, 89 recovered. The number of COVID-19 coronavirus cases in Aruba remains at 101 and active positive cases remain at 9. Total recovered is also stable at 89 while the number of quarantined persons remains at 54. There have been 3 deaths confirmed to date. 17 persons have been tested since yesterday bringing the total to 1860 persons tested so far. There are no inconclusive test results at this time.
Following Aruba’s Minister of Tourism’s announcement yesterday regarding tentative plans to reopen Aruba’s borders at some time between June 15 and July 1, there have been indications of mixed feelings on the part of the Aruban community expressed on social media channels, with many Arubans concerned that this step would be premature and could bring all Aruba’s efforts to contain the virus locally to naught. On the other hand there is mounting economic pressure to reopen the borders, since Aruba’s economy is practically fully dependent on tourism many businesses are at a standstill and consequently many people are currently without work.
May 8, 2020 – Tentative plans for reopening Aruba’s borders announced. During this evening’s press conference, Aruba’s Minister of Tourism announced tentative plans to reopen Aruba’s borders and mentioned that this could be planned for some time between June 15 and July 1st. He did stress repeatedly that this was purely tentative and depended very much on the local situation being fully under control and that the specific time-frame also will depend on a wide variety of protocols and preparations that would have to be finalized beforehand, but which are being worked on. More information is expected in the next week or two. No definite date for reopening borders has been set as yet, with plans being tentative so far.
May 8, 2020 – No change since yesterday – 101 total cases to date, 9 currently active. The number of COVID-19 coronavirus cases in Aruba remains at 101 and active positive cases remain at 9. Total recovered is also stable at 89 while the number of quarantined persons remains at 54. There have been 3 deaths confirmed to date. 26 persons have been tested since yesterday bringing the total to 1843 persons tested so far. There are no inconclusive test results at this time.
May 7, 2020 – Aruba sees third COVID-19 death. Unfortunately another person has died from COVID-19 in Aruba. A 70-year old man, well known in local football circles, has succumbed to the disease. The person is reported to have suffered from pre-existing heart conditions and had been in intensive care for quite some time. Sincere condolences to the deceased’s family.
The number of COVID-19 coronavirus cases in Aruba remains at 101. Active positive cases has dropped to 9, and total recovered remain at 89. There are now 3 deaths confirmed to date. 19 persons have been tested since yesterday bringing the total to 1817 persons tested so far. Number of persons in quarantine is 54. There are no inconclusive test results at this time.
May 6, 2020 – Active cases drop to 10 with 7 recoveries. The number of COVID-19 coronavirus cases in Aruba since yesterday remains at 101. Active positive cases has dropped to 10, with 7 persons resulting in the total recovered increasing to 89. There have been 2 deaths confirmed to date. 18 persons have been tested since yesterday bringing the total to 1798 persons tested so far. Number of persons in quarantine has more than doubled since yesterday from 28 to 57. There are no inconclusive test results at this time.
May 5, 2020 – First new case since April 23 – active cases remain at 17 with 1 new recovery. Just one day after easing the shelter in place measures and allowing a bit more freedom of movement, the number of COVID-19 coronavirus cases in Aruba has risen to 101 with the first new case since April 23rd. 17 are active positive cases, total recovered having increased by 1 to 82. There have been 2 deaths confirmed to date. 22 persons have been tested since yesterday bringing the total to 1780 persons tested so far. Number of persons in quarantine remains at 28. There are no inconclusive test results at this time.
Aruba’s Health department (DVG) in collaboration with Aruba’s Labor Department (DAO) and the Social Security department (SVb) have released guidelines to be adhered to as the “new normal” related to social distancing, hygiene, and handling of employees or business patrons who exhibit symptoms of illness. Guidelines in English are available here.
May 4, 2020 – No change – active cases remain at 17 and total to date at 100. The number of COVID-19 coronavirus cases in Aruba remains at 100 of which 17 are active positive cases, total recovered remains at 81. There have been 2 deaths confirmed to date. Just 2 persons have been tested since yesterday bringing the total to 1758 persons tested so far. Number of persons in quarantine remains at 28. There are no inconclusive test results at this time.
May 3, 2020 – No new cases – active and total cases remain at 17 and 100 respectively. The number of COVID-19 coronavirus cases in Aruba remains at 100 of which 17 are active positive cases, total recovered remains at 81. There have been 2 deaths confirmed to date. An additional 25 persons have been tested since yesterday bringing the total to 1756 persons tested so far. Number of persons in quarantine remains at 28. There are no inconclusive test results at this time.
May 2, 2020 – Active cases and total cases to date remain at 17 and 100 respectively. The number of COVID-19 coronavirus cases in Aruba remains at 100 of which 17 are active positive cases, total recovered remains at 81. There have been 2 deaths confirmed to date. An additional 10 persons have been tested since yesterday bringing the total to 1731 persons tested so far. Number of persons in quarantine has dropped by 3 to 28. There are no inconclusive test results at this time.
May 1, 2020 – Active cases drop to 17 with 2 recoveries and no new cases. The number of COVID-19 coronavirus cases in Aruba remains at 100 of which now 17 are active positive cases, total recovered having risen by 2 to 81. There have been 2 deaths confirmed to date. An additional 30 persons have been tested since yesterday bringing the total to 1721 persons tested so far. Number of persons in quarantine has risen by 4 to 31. There are no inconclusive test results at this time.
April 30, 2020 – Active cases drop to 19 with 6 recoveries and no new cases. The number of COVID-19 coronavirus cases in Aruba remains at 100 of which now 19 are active positive cases, total recovered having risen by 6 to 79. There have been 2 deaths confirmed to date. An additional 28 persons have been tested since yesterday bringing the total to 1691 persons tested so far. Number of persons in quarantine remains at 27. There are no inconclusive test results at this time.
The Aruba government has also defined several levels of relaxation of current restrictions commencing on May 4, 2020 which will be reevaluated every 2 weeks. The following levels refer to the establishments that will be allowed to reopen as of May 4, and also related to construction activity that will be allowed as of May 6. The number of persons allowed at any one time in the permitted establishments / construction companies (including personnel) will be as follows:
Level 1 – May 4-May 17 – maximum of 15 persons
Level 2 – May 18-May 31 – maximum of 50 persons
Level 3 – June 1-June 14 – maximum of 125 persons
Level 4 – June 14 and beyond – to be determined.
The establishments that will be allowed to reopen are certain shops that are defined as including clothing stores, jewelry stores, libraries, petshops, etc. food trucks, museums and art centers, and construction companies (by permit).
Government departments will also start to reopen as of May 4th, commencing with a maximum of 25% of personnel, considered essential for the departments’ function.
Existing social distancing rules and hygiene rules remain in effect as do the curfew (adjusted to 10pm-5am); and shelter in place rules other than for the aforementioned establishments/government departments.
Aruba’s borders remain closed for incoming travel at least until May 31. No further information on when borders will reopen is available at this time.
April 29, 2020 – Total cases still at 100, 25 active. The number of COVID-19 coronavirus cases in Aruba remains at 100 of which 25 are active positive cases, total recovered remains at 73. There have been 2 deaths confirmed to date. An additional 14 persons have been tested since yesterday bringing the total to 1663 persons tested so far. Number of persons in quarantine has dropped by 2 to 27. There are no inconclusive test results at this time.
April 28, 2020 – New rules announced. In a press conference this evening, Aruba’s government has confirmed that as of today April 28, the curfew time will be changed to 10pm-5am from and businesses will be required to close by 9pm. It was also announced that the following new rules will take effect as of May 4, 2020 – referred to as “Level 1” of changes related to relaxing current restrictions. These changes will be reevaluated every two weeks to establish whether subsequent levels of relaxation of restrictions can be implemented or if rollback to stricter ones is required.
– The following establishments will be allowed to re-open: clothing stores, jewelry stores, snack trucks, museums and art centers. Establishments who closed on a voluntary basis, can also reopen. Notwithstanding this, the maximum persons allowed at any of these establishments – including establishment personnel – is not to exceed 15 persons at any one time. Social distancing of at least 1.5 meters remains in force.
– Small to medium construction companies can apply for permission for their employees to obtain badges to be able to do construction work. Applications need to be made at the Dienst Openbare Werken (DOW) as of May 4, and construction work will be allowed to commence as of May 6. Private persons who would like to do construction work (e.g. on own property) also need to apply at DOW.
– Certain government departments offering essential functions will start to reopen with a maximum of 25% of personnel.
April 28, 2020 – Total cases remain at 100, of which 25 are active. The number of COVID-19 coronavirus cases in Aruba remains at 100 of which 25 are active positive cases, total recovered remains at 73. There have been 2 deaths confirmed to date. An additional 23 persons have been tested since yesterday bringing the total to 1649 persons tested so far. Number of persons in quarantine has dropped by 8 to 29. There are no inconclusive test results at this time.
April 27, 2020 – Curfew time and business closing time adjusted. As of Tuesday April 28th the curfew time will be changed to 10pm-5am from the previous time of 8pm-6am. Related to this, businesses will now be required to close by 9pm. More details will be announced tomorrow April 28th.
April 27, 2020 – No new cases – 100 total, 25 active – quarantined persons drop to 37. The number of COVID-19 coronavirus cases in Aruba remains at 100 of which 25 are active positive cases, total recovered remains at 73. This is the 6th consecutive day with no new cases reported. There have been 2 deaths confirmed to date. An additional 4 persons have been tested since yesterday bringing the total to 1626 persons tested so far. Number of persons in quarantine has dropped by 21 to 37. There are no inconclusive test results at this time.
Aruba’s Prime Minister has indicated that an adjustment of the current measures in effect with regard to social distancing and flattening the curve (changes to curfew times, shelter in place rules and limitation on gatherings) can be expected in the coming days. She mentioned that adjustments are being considered and will be announced soon, and will then be re-evaluated every two weeks to establish the impact of the adjustments to determine whether rollback is needed or if these adjustments can be maintained or can be re-adjusted further. As regards opening up borders for incoming travel, Aruba’s Prime Minister was quite clear in stating that no decision has been taken yet and any other information would be premature with the current re-evaluation date for this remaining at May 31.
April 26, 2020 – 4 persons recover – active cases drop to 25. The number of COVID-19 coronavirus cases in Aruba remains at 100 of which 25 are active positive cases, total recovered having risen by 4 to 73. There have been 2 deaths confirmed to date. An additional 14 persons have been tested since yesterday bringing the total to 1622 persons tested so far. Number of persons in quarantine remains at 58. There are no inconclusive test results at this time.
April 25, 2020 – Status quo maintained – positive 100, active 29. The number of COVID-19 coronavirus cases in Aruba remains at 100 of which 29 are active positive cases, total recovered remains at 69. There have been 2 deaths confirmed to date. An additional 31 persons have been tested since yesterday bringing the total to 1608 persons tested so far. Persons who are in quarantine remains at 58. There are no inconclusive test results at this time.
On April 28th, the Aruba Government is expected to inform the general public if the current restrictions in effect (shelter in place measure, daily curfew and limitation on gatherings of more than 3 persons) will be modified in any way.
Also recently an article was published by the Aruba Airport Authority (AAA) where they stated that they are preparing to be able to receive passengers as of June 1st. While these preparations may indeed be taking place, this does not mean that the restriction on incoming passengers will be lifted on that date – that is a decision that will be taken by the Aruba Government, and to date there has been no indication of any specific dates when that could happen. When questioned about this during a press conference, Aruba’s Prime Minister’s reaction indicated that she was surprised by the AAA announcement and also said that it seemed unlikely that anything would happen by June 1st. Ultimately it is the Aruba government’s decision to take and none has been taken yet.
April 24, 2020 – No new cases, positive remain at 100, active cases remain at 29. The number of COVID-19 coronavirus cases in Aruba remains at 100 of which 29 are active positive cases, total recovered remains at 69. There have been 2 deaths confirmed to date. An additional 42 persons have been tested since yesterday bringing the total to 1577 persons tested so far. Persons who are in quarantine drops by 7 to 58. There are no inconclusive test results at this time.
April 23, 2020 – No new cases, 1 recovery, active cases at 29. The number of COVID-19 coronavirus cases in Aruba remains at 100 of which 29 are active positive cases, total recovered has increased to 69. There have been 2 deaths confirmed to date. An additional 31 persons have been tested since yesterday bringing the total to 1535 persons tested so far. Persons who are in quarantine remain at 65. There are no inconclusive test results at this time.
April 22, 2020 – 3 new cases, 17 recoveries, active cases drop to 30. The number of COVID-19 coronavirus cases in Aruba has risen to 100 of which 30 are active positive cases, total recovered has jumped by 17 to 68. There have been 2 deaths confirmed to date. An additional 26 persons have been tested since yesterday bringing the total to 1504 persons tested so far. Persons who are in quarantine remain at 65. There are no inconclusive test results at this time.
April 21, 2020 – Cases remain stable, no new recoveries, testing continues. The number of COVID-19 coronavirus cases in Aruba remains at 97 of which 44 are active positive cases, total recovered remains at 51 – same situation as yesterday. There have been 2 deaths confirmed to date. An additional 33 persons have been tested since yesterday bringing the total to 1478 persons tested so far. Persons who are in quarantine have dropped by 16 to 65. There are still no inconclusive test results at this time.
April 20, 2020 – 2 more persons recover, no new cases reported. The number of COVID-19 coronavirus cases in Aruba remains at 97 of which 44 are active positive cases. 2 more persons have recovered bringing total recovered to 51. There have been 2 deaths confirmed to date. 1445 persons have been tested so far. Persons who are in quarantine have dropped by 21 to 83. There are no test results pending at this time.
April 19, 2020 – Restriction on inbound travel extended to May 31. According to a “Notice to Airmen” (NOTAM) filed with today’s date with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Aruba’s Reina Beatrix Airport will not be allowing incoming passengers other than legal residents of Aruba and airline staff. There will be no restrictions on outbound passengers. This restriction remains in effect until May 31. This notice is available on the FAA NOTAM website under Aruba’s airport code TNCA. NOTAM # A0169/20. This information has also been confirmed by the Aruba Airport Authority.
April 19, 2020 – 1 new positive case today; 5 persons recover. The number of COVID-19 coronavirus cases in Aruba increased by 1 new case to 97 of which 46 are active positive cases. 5 more persons have recovered bringing total recovered to 49. There have been 2 deaths confirmed to date. 1442 persons have been tested so far. Persons who are in quarantine remain at 104. There are no test results pending at this time.
April 18, 2020 – Positive cases remain at 96, active positive cases drop by 1 to 50. The number of COVID-19 coronavirus cases in Aruba remains at 96 of which 50 are active positive cases. There have been 2 deaths confirmed to date. 1358 persons have been tested so far. Number of persons recovered has increased by one to 44. Persons who are in quarantine have decreased by 2 to 104. There are no test results pending at this time.
April 17, 2020 – Total positive cases increase to 96, active positive cases drop to 51. The number of COVID-19 coronavirus cases in Aruba has risen to 96 of which 51 are active positive cases at the moment. There have been 2 deaths confirmed to date. 1298 persons have been tested so far. Number of persons recovered has increased to 43. Persons who are in quarantine has increased by 16 to 106. There are no test results pending at this time.
April 16, 2020 – Total positive cases increase to 95, of which 54 are active. The number of COVID-19 coronavirus cases in Aruba has risen to 95 of which 54 are active positive cases at the moment. There have been 2 deaths confirmed to date. 1237 persons have been tested so far. Total recovered remains at 39. The number of persons who are in quarantine is 90 and no test results are pending at this time. Contact tracing related to the second COVID-19 death announced yesterday is ongoing. Persons who may have been in contact with the person are urged to call the COVID-19 Call Center number: 280-0101
April 15, 2020 – Second COVID-19 death confirmed. A second person has died of coronavirus in Aruba. The person, a 39 year-old man, was confirmed to have been ill with the disease after testing positive posthumously. According to local reports this person had contacted 911 and was referred to the Department of Health’s diagnostic center for testing, and was due to be tested the next day. Unfortunately the person passed away before having been tested. Contact tracing is under way to establish persons who the deceased may have been in contact with while ill. Deepest condolences to the man’s family.
Social distancing measures extended. The Aruba government also announced today that the nightly curfew and the mandatory shelter in place directive that are in place until April 19 have both been extended until April 28.
April 15, 2020 – Active positive cases drop to 53 with 1 new case and 7 recoveries reported. The number of COVID-19 coronavirus cases in Aruba has risen to 93 with 1198 persons having been tested so far. An additional 7 persons have recovered bringing total recovered to 39. The number of persons who are in quarantine has dropped to 91 and no test results are pending at this time.
April 15, 2020 – Aruba sees first death related to COVID-19. Following a few days of positive news in that no new cases had been reported, unfortunately Aruba woke to the very sad news of the first COVID-19 related death. A 79 year-old person who was hospitalized due to coronavirus has succumbed to the disease, despite all treatment efforts. Sincere condolences to the family of the deceased at this difficult time.
April 14, 2020 – Active positive cases remain stable at 60 with no new cases reported. For the 3rd day in a row the total number of COVID-19 coronavirus cases in Aruba remains at 92. Active positive cases remain stable at 60. 1154 persons have been tested to date. Total recovered remains at 32. The number of persons who are in quarantine has risen to 114 and no test results are pending.
The Center for Disease Control (CDC) has extended the “no sail” order for Cruise Lines to 100 days. This means that cruise lines originating in the USA will not be sailing until mid-July. Some previous reports indicated that cruises would be including Aruba as a port of call as early as May, however it is now very unlikely. Other cruise lines not originating in the USA are not necessarily subject to this “no sail” order; but Aruba’s borders remain closed until further notice irrespective.
April 13, 2020 – Active positive cases stable at 60 with no new cases reported. The number of COVID-19 coronavirus cases in Aruba remains at 92 with 1147 persons having been tested to date. Total recovered remains at 32. The number of persons who are in quarantine is 103 and no test results are pending.
April 12 , 2020 – Active positive cases drop to 60 with 3 more persons recovering. The number of COVID-19 coronavirus cases in Aruba to date remains at 92 with 1145 persons having been tested so far. An additional 3 persons have recovered bringing total recovered to 32. The number of persons who are in quarantine is 103 and no test results are currently pending.
April 11, 2020 – Positive cases rise with 6 more to 92 – 2 more recover – active positive cases up to 63. The number of COVID-19 coronavirus cases in Aruba has risen to 92 with 1118 persons having been tested so far. An additional 2 persons have recovered bringing total recovered to 29. The number of persons who are in quarantine has dropped significantly to 109 and no test results are pending at this time.
April 10, 2020 – 4 more persons test positive – 7 more recover – bringing active positive cases down to 59. The number of COVID-19 coronavirus cases in Aruba has risen to 86 with 1058 persons having been tested so far. 302 persons are in quarantine. There are also no test results pending at this time. An additional 7 persons have recovered bringing total recovered to 27.
April 9, 2020 – US Consulate announces April 15 flight to Fort Lauderdale. The US Consulate General in Curacao has announced that on April 15th at 1pm a Spirit Airlines ‘humanitarian’ flight will be taking stranded US citizens and legal permanent residents to the US. The flight will depart Aruba’s Reina Beatrix Airport at 1:00pm with final destination Fort Lauderdale (FLL) via Cartagena, Colombia where other US citizens/residents will be picked up en route. US citizens and legal permanent residents currently stranded in Curacao or Bonaire have the possibility of taking an arranged Divi Divi Airlines flight to Aruba to then take this Spirit Airlines flight to the USA. More information available here.
April 9, 2020 – 5 more persons test positive – 6 more recover – bringing active positive cases down to 62. The number of COVID-19 coronavirus cases in Aruba has risen to 82 with 1008 persons having been tested so far. 302 persons are in quarantine. There are also no test results pending at this time. Very positive news is that an additional 6 persons have recovered bringing total recovered to 20.
Today it was also announced that all schools in Aruba will remain closed until May 11th.
April 8, 2020 – An additional 3 persons test positive bringing active positive cases to 63. The number of COVID-19 coronavirus cases in Aruba has risen to 77 with 990 persons having been tested so far. 349 persons are in quarantine. There are also 3 tests pending a confirmed result.
Additional measures during Easter weekend. We have been asked about the Aruba government announcement of additional measures on April 7 that will be in place this coming Easter weekend. To clarify, on Friday 10th (Good Friday), Sunday 12th April (Easter Sunday) and 13th April (Easter Monday) shelter in place rules will be stricter. It will not be possible for people to go to the beach for recreational reasons on these days – it will strictly only be allowed for health reasons. The ban on gatherings (on foot or in a vehicle) of 4 or more persons will be extended to include families (except while at home under the same roof). The only valid reasons for leaving one’s home will be to visit a doctor; to go to the pharmacy and for food services. All establishments will be closed on these days except for gas stations (open from 7am to 7pm), pharmacies, food delivery/takeout/drive-thru services (11am to 7pm). On Saturday 11th, shelter in place rules will revert to the current status.
April 7, 2020 – 3 more persons test positive – 12 recover. The number of COVID-19 coronavirus cases in Aruba has risen to 74 with 954 persons having been tested so far. 395 persons are in quarantine. On a very positive note, an additional 12 persons have recovered bringing total recovered to 14. This means that there are currently 60 active positive cases, down from yesterday’s figure of 69. There are also 2 tests pending a confirmed result.
April 6, 2020 – An additional 7 persons test positive – total at 71. The number of COVID-19 coronavirus cases in Aruba has risen to 71 with 910 persons having been tested so far. 402 persons are in quarantine. An additional person has recovered bringing total recovered to 2. This means that there are currently 69 active positive cases.
April 5, 2020 – No new positive cases, persons tested increase to 869. The number of COVID-19 coronavirus cases in Aruba is currently stable at 64 with 869 persons having been tested so far. 381 persons remain in quarantine. 2 persons remain in intensive care. For quite some time now, just 1 person is being reported as having recovered.
April 4, 2020 – Positive cases increase to 64. The number of COVID-19 coronavirus cases in Aruba is currently 64 with 863 persons having been tested so far. 381 persons remain in quarantine.
April 3, 2020 – Positive cases increase to 62 with 2 in intensive care. The number of COVID-19 coronavirus cases in Aruba is currently 62 with 837 persons having been tested so far. 9 persons have been hospitalized, and 2 persons are in intensive care.
April 2, 2020 – Positive cases increase to 60. The number of COVID-19 coronavirus cases in Aruba is currently 60. A total of 805 persons have been tested so far. Some people are contacting us to ask when Aruba plans to allow international flights again. It is understandable that many people want to re-book flights and everyone in Aruba is extremely appreciative of visitors wanting to come back as soon as possible. However, there is no information available at this time as to when the Aruban Government will allow flights to the island to resume.
April 1, 2020 – Positive cases remain at 55. The number of COVID-19 coronavirus cases in Aruba is currently stable at 55. A total of 737 persons have been tested to date. 53% of cases in Aruba are male; 47% female. 20% of cases are in the vulnerable group normally defined as persons with underlying health issues including heart disease, diabetes and chronic lung conditions.
March 31, 2020 – Positive cases rise to 55. The number of COVID-19 coronavirus cases in Aruba is now 55. A total of 682 persons have been tested to date. Four of the persons who have tested positive are in hospital, one of whom is in intensive care, but in stable condition.
March 30, 2020 – Positive cases remain at 50. The number of COVID-19 coronavirus cases in Aruba is currently stable at 50. A total of 634 persons have been tested to date. Curfew procedure update by police: Up until now curfew violators would be taken to the police station, served a fine and then released. From now on, to further discourage persons from violating the curfew, anyone caught in violation will be detained until the following morning, served the fine and then released.
March 29, 2020 – Positive cases rise to 50. The number of COVID-19 coronavirus cases in Aruba is now 50, out of 601 persons tested to date. Earlier today the official count was published as 52 however this has been revised due to 2 cases being inconclusive. It has also been announced that hospital visits by the general public are not allowed moving forward. This is because it is very difficult to follow and enforce social distancing rules at the hospital. Some exceptions are in place for pediatric patients and for maternity-related visits.
March 28, 2020 – 46 people now have tested positive. The number of COVID-19 coronavirus cases in Aruba is now 46, out of 560 persons tested to date. The strategy being applied is to test as much as possible, given the resources available. As a result the number of positive cases will inevitably increase as is being seen. It is notable that there have been over 180 arrests of persons who have violated the mandatory curfew. Each of these are subject to fines of Awg. 1,000 (~US$560). Furthermore businesses who violate the curfew order are subject to fines of Awg. 1,500 (small business), Awg. 3000 (medium sized businesses), and Awg. 5,000 (larger businesses). Fines could be increased to a maximum of Awg. 10,000.
March 28, 2020 – Shelter in place and list of non-essential activities. The shelter in place order that comes into effect on March 29 at 12:00am means that persons are only allowed to leave their homes for essential activities such as buying food, medicines or to do exercise. Furthermore as announced yesterday a ban on gatherings of 4 persons or more will also come into effect on Sunday; with the exception of families living under one roof. The 9pm to 6am daily curfew remains in effect until April 20, subject to re-evaluation.
The government of Aruba has defined the following as non-essential, and these will have to cease operating for as long as decreed by the government (currently in effect until April 20, 2020):
Schools and other educational institutions.
Clothes shops, shops selling accessories, jewelry or souvenirs; all shopping malls, all flea markets, tourist markets and kiosks, beauty shops (hair, nails etc), barber shops.
Bars, food trucks (only takeout and delivery is allowed), bakeries (only takeout and delivery is allowed), restaurants (only takeout and delivery is allowed).
Casinos, nightclubs, adult entertainment, art expos, recreational centers, cinemas, companies offering recreational activities, gyms and other exercise facilities, places where sports is practiced, museums.
Places offering meeting and/or event facilities, churches, construction projects.
March 27, 2020 – An additional 5 persons test positive. Restrictions extended until April 19. Aruba now has a total of 33 cases of COVID-19 coronavirus. 10% of persons tested have tested positive so far. During the briefing at 7:00pm AST, Aruba’s Prime Minister Evelyn Wever-Croes announced that all measures and restrictions currently in place that previously had a deadline of March 31, 2020 have been extended to April 20, 2020. This includes all school closures, travel restrictions, the 9pm to 6am daily curfew. She mentioned that this is all subject to re-evaluation depending on how the situation develops. The ‘shelter in place’ order that comes into force on Sunday March 29 will also be in place until April 20, 2020, subject to similar re-evaluation. In addition, all non-essential businesses and services are required to stop operating as of March 29. A list of non-essential businesses, services and activities will be published soon. An additional measure that will also come into effect as of Sunday March 29, being a ban on gatherings of 4 or more persons, was also announced during this evening’s briefing.
March 26, 2020 – Cases spike to 28. Aruba now has a total of 28 cases of COVID-19 coronavirus; jumping from yesterday’s count of 19. Consequently the government has decided to ramp up measures to mitigate local transmission. As of Sunday March 29, there will be a mandatory ‘shelter in place’ order. On Friday March 27, specific details of this order will be published.
March 25, 2020 – 2 new cases announced. Aruba’s Prime Minister Evelyn Wever-Croes announced two new cases of COVID-19 coronavirus in Aruba. One case is of local transmission while the other is an ‘imported’ case – a person who recently traveled to Colombia. Both persons are locals. This brings the total number of positive cases in Aruba to 19 out of the 294 persons tested to date.
March 24, 2020 – Minister of Health announces 5 new cases. Aruba’s Minister of Health, Dangui Oduber announced five new cases of COVID-19 coronavirus. This brings the total number of positive cases in Aruba to 17. Up to now 20 tests were being done per day and these have doubled to 40. Furthermore, the Minister announced that as of Friday 27th March all lotto outlets have been instructed to close. Aruba’s Prime Ministers, Evelyn-Wever Croes also mentioned that Aruba’s Parliament has approved unanimously the proposed plan of 1.3 billion florins (~US$722 million) to support Aruba’s economy. She also made a repeated appeal for people to stay home and practice social distancing.
March 23, 2020 – 3 new cases – 2 of local transmission. Aruba’s Prime Minister Evelyn Wever-Croes announced three new cases of COVID-19 coronavirus in Aruba. All cases are local persons and 2 have occurred via local community transmission while the third was contracted while the person was in Colombia. This brings the total number of positive cases in Aruba to 12. The Prime Minister also announced that there is a planned stimulus and rescue package of 1.3 billion florins (~US$722 million) to help employees and businesses in Aruba including small to medium businesses. This package will be achieved through a reduction of costs by government, and through international loans. Some updates to opening rules and business hours were also announced: all establishments must close by 8:00 pm. All bars and restaurants are to close except for takeout/delivery and must close outright by 8:00 pm. Gas stations can remain open until 8:00 pm.
March 22, 2020 – 1 new case – an Aruban national – announced. Aruba’s Prime Minister Evelyn Wever-Croes announced an additional case of COVID-19 coronavirus in Aruba. Significantly, this is the second reported case of local community transmission. The Prime Minister reiterated that ongoing recommendations for social distancing are extremely important at this stage whereas several persons seem to be not taking this seriously enough. Following this announcement, Yolanda Pronk from the Public Prosecutor’s office mentioned that the authorities were clamping down hard on any persons who do not comply with the mandatory daily curfew between 9pm and 6am that will remain in effect until March 31. Several persons (29) have already been fined Awg. 1000 each (~US$560) for non-compliance and two persons were fined additional sums for resisting the police. The Prime Minister also mentioned that additional steps to limit freedom of movement could be taken if the public does not comply with social distancing recommendations or with the mandatory curfew.
March 21, 2020 – 3 new cases announced in Aruba. Speaking in what has become a regular daily press conference, Aruba’s Prime Minister Evelyn Wever-Croes announced that an additional 3 persons have tested positive for COVID-19 coronavirus in Aruba bringing the total positive cases to date to 8.
March 19, 2020 – Mandatory curfew to come into effect on Saturday March 21. Aruba’s Prime Minister Evelyn Wever-Croes announced that as of this coming Saturday a mandatory curfew will be imposed in Aruba. The curfew will take effect at 9pm and will last until 6am. It will remain in effect until March 31. Furthermore as from Saturday until March 31, all incoming travel will be stopped, including access for Aruba residents. In a statement, the CEO of the Aruba Airport Authority, Mr. Joost Meijs confirmed that, as reported earlier today, an employee of a company operating at Aruba’s Reina Beatrix airport tested positive for the COVID-19 coronavirus. This person was indeed the fifth known case on Aruba.
March 19, 2020 – Employee of a company operating at Aruba airport tests positive. According to Aruba Airport Authority spokesman Hendrik Croes, an employee of a company operating at Aruba’s Reina Beatrix airport has tested positive for the COVID-19 coronavirus. No information was given as to which company this person works for and whether it is the same person announced by the Department of Health as the fifth person to test positive. The work area in question has been closed off. Contact tracing is currently under way to identify people who this person may have come in contact with, and out of caution all high risk persons who work at the airport have been sent home. Three Aruba Airport Authority employees have been sent home to self-quarantine as a precautionary measure.
March 19, 2020 – Fifth case announced, and one recovery. A fifth case of COVID-19 coronavirus, identified as a person of Aruban descent who recently returned to Aruba, has been confirmed by Aruba’s Department of Health. It was also confirmed that one of the other four cases has recovered. Furthermore Aruba’s first confirmed case, a 65 year old American national who was on the island working as a consultant to Aruba’s Water production facility, has been transported to the U.S. via air ambulance. The person had been in isolation, and had recovered sufficiently to be able to be transported back to the U.S.
Related to the social distancing efforts in Aruba, all businesses and establishments must close by 8:00pm as of today, March 19th. The only exceptions to this are specific on-duty pharmacies, drive-thru and delivery-only restaurants, and gas stations. These can remain open until 10:00pm. Additionally, all casinos, movie theaters and gyms be required to close until further notice, and all group sports activities will stop as of March 19th also.
March 18, 2020 – Department of Health holds press conference. Aruba’s Department of Health held a press conference at 1pm AST where they brought forward some additional information. No new cases have been reported as of the time of the press conference. Currently 125 persons in Aruba are in quarantine for the required 14 day period. The Department of Health reported that the COVID-19 hotline is being inundated with calls, and appealed to the public to use that number only if the combination of symptoms associated with COVID-19 (see post below) are being manifested. The Department of Health also indicated that additional lines of communication will be added shortly including a Whatsapp line and a dedicated number to be used only by persons aged 60 and over. Specifically for Aruban nationals/residents who are stuck abroad and who are having difficulty returning to Aruba the following contact numbers are available: +297 5696897 / +297 5689251 / +297 5637928 .
March 17, 2020 – Fourth case of coronavirus announced. Aruba’s Prime Minister Evelyn Wever-Croes has just announced a fourth case of COVID-19 coronavirus in Aruba. The person who tested positive for the coronavirus is a tourist.
March 17, 2020 – No new cases based on tests carried out to date. In a broadcast press conference to provide an update on the situation in Aruba, Aruba’s Health Minister announced that there are no new cases of COVID-19 coronavirus as of noon today. A reminder was given to call the COVID-19 Hotline at (+297) 280 0101 (free of charge) if one experiences a combination of symptoms that include high fever above 102°F (39°C), dry cough, and shortness of breath. The Minister of education also declared that schools would remain closed until January 31st. The local awareness campaign is having its effect and several businesses are taking definite steps to put social distancing into practice in what is an ongoing and increasing island-wide effort to curb the spread of the virus as much as possible.
March 16, 2020 – Third case of coronavirus in Aruba. In a broadcast press conference, Aruba’s Prime Minister Evelyn Wever-Croes announced a third case of COVID-19 coronavirus in Aruba. Additionally, the prime minister announced that as of March 17, 2020 all establishments (restaurants, bars and gas stations included) will be required to close by 10pm. Several restaurants have decided to close outright for the time being, while others are offering takeout and/or delivery. In the interest of safeguarding employees and the general public, additionally several casinos and retail stores have also closed for now.
March 15, 2020 – Lockdown on all international inbound travel. In a broadcast press conference at approximately 8pm AST, Aruba’s Prime Minister Evelyn Wever-Croes announced that there will be a lockdown on all inbound international travel commencing at midnight of March 16, 2020 and ending on March 31, 2020. An exception to this inbound travel lockdown will be granted to Aruba residents. A travel advisory will also be instituted for residents, advising against outbound travel at this time. To date Aruba has two confirmed Corona Virus cases. It is important to note that this lockdown does not apply to outbound travel for international travelers currently in Aruba – they will be able to take their return flight home.
March 14, 2020 – Cruises initiated at U.S. ports have suspended operations. The Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) has said that cruise lines from U.S. ports have suspended service for the next 30 days as of March 14,2020. Any other cruise ships arriving to Aruba from cruises initiated at non-US ports continue to be required to submit a maritime health declaration to the Department of Public Health in Aruba and the Department of Public Health can inspect any cruise ship whenever deemed necessary. Furthermore, any cases of isolation will not be allowed to disembark from the cruise ship they are on.
March 13, 2020 – First positive cases announced in Aruba. In a broadcast press conference, Aruba’s Prime Minister Evelyn Wever-Croes announced that two persons in Aruba have tested positive for Corona Virus. One is an Aruban national who recently traveled to and returned from New York and another is an American national who is a consultant to Aruba’s water production company WEB. Both persons have been isolated and manifested only mild symptoms. It was also announced that as of March 14 airport screening will be much more stringent and that as of Sunday March 15 travelers from Europe, with the exception of Aruban nationals, will not be allowed entry, at least until March 31 when this measure will be reevaluated. This will also apply to persons from the list of countries designated by WHO as having sustained and widespread transmission. Aruba’s Prime Minister also mentioned that all public and private activities including any cultural activities have been cancelled for the coming days, at least until March 31. Out of caution, schools will be closed as of Monday March 16 until further notice.
March 12, 2020 – Aruba’s Reina Beatrix airport is stepping up cleaning efforts significantly. In a statement, CEO Joost Meijs said that aside from routine daily cleaning, the cleaning frequency of public areas has increased; and sanitizer machines as well as soap dispensers have been added to strategic areas. The full statement from Aruba’s airport CEO is available here.
March 10, 2020 – According to a statement by Aruba’s Minister of Health all tests on individuals who experienced symptoms similar to those of the Corona Virus have turned out negative. To date Aruba has no known cases of the Corona Virus. Updates will continue to be posted as they become available.
ORANJESTAD, March 6, 2020 – We reached out to the authorities for for information about the Corona Virus (COVID-19) in Aruba and were provided with an official statement provided by the Minister of Tourism, Health and Sport. We also have some additional information on certain measures being taken by the Department of Public Health in collaboration with the tourism sector, medical practitioners and the general public in Aruba.
The main takeaways are as follows, valid as of date of the official statement.
- There are neither suspected nor confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Aruba
- There are currently no restrictions on travel to or trade being applied in Aruba
- Screening is being done at the Aruba airport
- Cruise ships are required to submit a health declaration to Aruba Department of Public Health which also has the authority to carry out inspections
Furthermore the following steps have been / are being taken or being recommended by the Department of Public Health
- Aruba’s Hospital and ImSan have designated rooms to treat suspected Covid-19 patients including drawing blood for tests. 42 rooms are available for possible isolation of patients and can be expanded if needed.
- There is a COVID-19 hotline on +297 280-0101 which is available 24/7.
- People reporting symptoms such as headache, high fever and shortness of breath/respiratory issues, are being advised to contact their family physician by phone and provide requested information including any travel history.
- Information sessions have been organized for people in Aruba’s tourism industry, for healthcare providers and for the general public
- Many hotels are stepping up their sanitation efforts
- There is an ongoing coronavirus awareness campaign for the general public in Aruba
Below is the official statement from Aruba’s Ministry of Health & Tourism.
“The Ministry of Health and Tourism of Aruba is collaborating with all
government authorities on a national level in actively implementing Aruba’s preparedness and response plan for COVID-19. Aruba continues to monitor the situation of the Coronavirus locally, regionally and internationally. As of January 30, 2020, the World Health Organization has declared COVID-19 a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). Please be informed that there are neither suspected nor confirmed cases of the Coronavirus reported in Aruba, and there are no probable cases in quarantine.
In accordance with International Health Regulations (World Health Organization), Aruba is not applying any restrictions on travel or trade. We are welcoming visitors to the destination. Aruba is employing several measures used globally and has the capability of testing COVID-19.
All airlines with service to Aruba have received notification of
their responsibility to flag potential cases on board flights. All passengers,
including residents, who have traveled to or taken trips originating from
China, South Korea, Japan, Iran or Italy within the past 14 days shall be subject to screening upon arrival. The list of names of the aforementioned identified passengers shall be sent to the Immigration Department and Department of Public Health prior to landing in Aruba. Transit passengers shall go through the same screening process as the passengers with Aruba as their final destination. Screening protocols will not be waived under any circumstances, even for passengers who may have been screened at destinations prior to arriving in Aruba. A medical letter will not be accepted as an exemption for screening.
Upon arrival, identified visitors will complete a traveler health questionnaire. Any potential cases will be subject to immediate screening by the Department of Public Health for symptoms (fever, coughing, and shortness of breath). The Department of Public Health will decide if these passengers or crew member(s) will be quarantined or isolated.
Passengers displaying symptoms will be isolated and receive clinical treatment as per W.H.O. guidelines for COVID-19. In case passengers were in contact with a recent confirmed case, these will be quarantined for an amount of 14 days after the last contact.
In reference to the cruise industry, the current International Health Regulation will continue to be applied. Each cruise ship is required to submit the maritime health declaration to the Department of Public Health in a timely manner. The Department of Public Health can make use of its authority to inspect the cruise ship whenever deemed necessary. As per regulation, cases of isolation will not be allowed to disembark from the cruise ship.
A local awareness campaign is currently underway to educate and inform the public about the importance of basic hygiene practices, such as proper hand washing, use of hand sanitizers, frequent disinfection of surfaces, cough and sneeze protocol. Avoid going to public places at all times when having respiratory illnesses.
All other protocols defined by the World Health Organization are also in place and shall continue to be activated accordingly.”
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For more information please also refer to the Facebook page of Aruba’s Department of Health.
