Puerto Rico has revised its protocols, as the Delta variant of Covid-19 continues to surge, and the CDC puts the island back on its list of “ Level 4: Very High” Covid-19 travel risk.
The CDC recently added seven destinations to its “very high” Covid-19 travel risk list, with Puerto Rico and Switzerland among the highest-risk destinations for travelers. According to the CDC, people should avoid traveling to locations designated at a Level 4, and anyone who must travel should be fully vaccinated first. Destinations that fall in the Level 4 category have had more than 500 cases per 100,000 residents in the past 28 days.
With the move to a Level 4, the island announced that as of Sept. 2 the following measures will go into effect:
- All businesses will be required to close from 12:00 a.m. – 5:00 a.m. seven days a week, except emergency services. Exceptions include:
- Pharmacies and hospitals
- Gas stations
- Restaurants (delivery service only, hotel restaurants can remain open only for hotel guests)
- Alcohol sales and the public consumption of alcohol will be prohibited between 12:00 a.m. – 5:00 a.m. seven days per week
- Mask usage is mandatory in all closed in spaces, as well as open places where there is an agglomeration of 50 people or more, regardless of vaccination status
- Anchoring on beaches, keys, and islets less than 100 ft. from the shore is prohibited, with the exception of the use of mooring buoys or moorings
In addition proof of vaccination is required for all patrons and employees of restaurants, food courts, bars, chinchorros, or any indoor location where food and beverages are prepared and served. Those who are not vaccinated, must show a negative PCR or antigen test upon entry.
As a reminder, employees of all commercial lodging options are required to be vaccinated, barring medical or religious exemption (measures which went into effect in August).
For more information, visit discoverpuertorico.com/info/travel-guidelines.
And don’t miss, “Puerto Rico Requires Vaccinations for All Guests.”
