Additional details for Phase One of the Re-opening of Bonaire.
Traveling to Bonaire becomes possible once again under certain conditions.
Bonaire’s airspace and port were closed in mid-March to contain the spread of COVID-19 to the island. The re-opening of Bonaire can now begin in a limited form starting July 1st, 2020.
The trial period for the re-opening of Bonaire to run through June 30, 2020.
A flight from the European Netherlands will arrive today as a start to the trial period which will run through June 30, 2020. More than 100 people will arrive on flights during this time, including students and emigrants from the European Netherlands. Upon arrival, the passengers will be tested at the airport. Passengers in the European Netherlands are tested on follow-up flights. These arriving residents may quarantine at home, and they will be subject to monitoring during their stay. They are only allowed out of the home to do shopping, and this is only allowed if they do not have someone who can assist them with this.
They must adhere to social distancing by keeping 1.5 meters away from all other people. They have a responsibility to protect themselves and others. Their final destination must be Bonaire. Passengers are not allowed to transit to other destinations at this time.
The re-opening of Bonaire to Inter-island travel begins on June 12, 2020.
Curaçao
Commencing Friday, June 12, 2020, it will be possible to travel from Curaçao to Bonaire or vice versa. This is due to the safety bubble, which is an area within which it is safe to travel from one island to another. Passengers from Curaçao who come to Bonaire are not required to go into quarantine. They are allowed to move freely on Bonaire.
However, those arriving from Curaçao must adhere to generally applicable preventive measures (such as social distancing) on Bonaire. Further, if they have complaints related to COVID-19, they must immediately report to the Public Health Department. They must also provide their address and telephone number.
Aruba
The intention is to form a safety bubble together with Aruba as of June 12, 2020. Aruban passengers who come to Bonaire do not need to be quarantined, Bonairean passengers who go to Aruba do not have to be quarantined, although. Aruba has yet to agree to this. Discussions are still taking place between Bonaire and Aruba. However, it should be noted that as soon as Aruba allows American passengers to enter, the airspace with Aruba will be once again closed.
St. Eustatius and Saba
Passengers from Saba and St. Eustatius who travel to Bonaire do not have to be quarantined and they are allowed to move freely on the island. However, reverse travel is not yet possible because, as small islands, they have less care capacity and are vulnerable.
The Emergency Ordinance is lifted.
The emergency ordinance that applied until June 15, 2020, will be withdrawn immediately. At the meeting of the Island Policy Team (EBT) on June 10, 2020, the Lieutenant Governor decided to withdraw the emergency ordinance. This means, among other things:
- That sports and the organizing of tournaments are allowed again. A permit must be applied for to organize tournaments.
- That people must adhere to hygiene instructions.
- That large groups should not be gathered in small spaces. Adequate ventilation must be provided.
The re-opening of Bonaire to tourist travel.
Tourists can return to Bonaire commencing on July 1, 2020. Airspace is opened on that date to travelers from the European Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, France, and Germany. These countries were chosen because the figures show that there are few corona infections. A maximum of 1,000 tourists will be admitted per week. Travelers from the Caribbean islands are not included in this. The following conditions apply to tourists from Europe:
- Tourists must have completed a COVID-19 test within 72 hours of their flight. The result of the test must be negative (i.e., they are not infected with the Coronavirus). This also applies to residents who have been in the above countries.
- Upon arrival on Bonaire, they must provide the result of the test.
- They can move freely around the island.
- If they are unwell and have symptoms of COVID-19, they should stay in their hotel or vacation home.
- They should then call the Public Health Department. The Public Health Department determines whether a test is necessary and ensures that the person is tested if necessary. The person must remain in his/her room until the test result is known.
- They must have travel and accident insurance so that they are covered against additional medical costs on Bonaire.
- The Public Body Bonaire (OLB) is not responsible for passengers who cannot return to their country of origin.
- The Public Health Department will advise, together with Tourism Corporation Bonaire, on rules for hotels and catering.
- The staff of hotels, catering, and healthcare have priority to be tested if they have complaints.
- The Public Body Bonaire (OLB) reminds travelers of their own responsibility. Travel remains a risky business, as in many countries there are still sources of contagion.
- Passengers are responsible for their own journey. There will be no regulation for returnees stranded abroad.
- All residents and visitors to the island must adhere to hygiene measures.
- Opening airspace entails risks, but Bonaire is well prepared. If there are local infections of the virus, Bonaire can provide the right care.
(Source: OLB)
