Is it safe to travel to Puerto Rico? Should I / should travelers cancel their trips?
If you are sick, an older adult, and someone with chronic medical conditions, leading health authorities recommend to delay or avoid travel. Please note that all commercial flights are being diverted to SJU to control passenger traffic and all passengers (visitors and residents) must self-quarantine for 14 days upon arrival, regardless of symptoms.
If I’m in Puerto Rico or going to Puerto Rico, are things open or operating normally?
It is important that travelers are aware of what to expect upon arriving in Puerto Rico. It’s also important for travelers to understand the new policies in place and are being strictly enforced. The Island has implemented an Island-wide curfew for everyone, including tourists, through May 3, 2020. Curfew hours are from 7:00 PM - 5:00 AM. The only exceptions to the curfew are for those who are working or in cases of emergency. And, restaurant delivery services have been extended to 10:00 PM. Residents and tourists need to abide by these new policies or they will be subject to significant repercussions, which consist of a fine of up to $5,000 and run the risk of being arrested. Below find information on key travel operations.
Airports: All commercial flights are being diverted to SJU to control passenger traffic. Adjustments in travel itineraries are at the discretion of each airline, in accordance with travel restrictions, as determined by the U.S. federal government. Usual operations at the airport are not affected by the curfew, which means passengers arriving or departing from the airports after curfew will be able to transit to and from their respective destination. The Government of Puerto Rico has activated the Puerto Rico National Guard to assist with enhanced health screenings of all passengers upon arrival into SJU, which consists of a brief verbal screening or temperature check via thermographic cameras. Additionally, rapid testing is being offered to incoming passengers, but is not compulsory. These measures make the process of screening all arriving passengers to the airport more efficient and reliable. All passengers (visitors and residents) must self-quarantine for 14 days upon arrival, regardless of symptoms.
Cruise operations: The San Juan Bay is currently closed for cruise ship vessels.
Hotels: Remain open, however, public areas and amenities in hotels, such as spas, pools, and recreational areas will be closed. Room service will remain available for guests. Restaurants inside hotels will remain open but limited to those that can offer their services by way of carryout or delivery versus sit-down services. Bars inside restaurants will be closed.
Casinos: Will remain closed until May 3, 2020.
Restaurants: Will remain open but, limited to those that can offer their services by way of drive-thru, carry out, or delivery. Delivery services have been extended through 10:00 PM. Restaurants will not be hosting guests in a sit-down manner. Bars inside restaurants will also be closed. Please note supermarkets will be closed on Sundays.
Attractions: All businesses will be closed with the exception of pharmacies, supermarkets, banks, or those related to the food or pharmaceutical industries. This applies to shopping malls, movie theaters, concert halls, casinos, bars, liquor stores, or any other place that facilitates gatherings. This also includes natural state reserves, national parks, recreational areas, and public beaches.
Tours: All tours will be closed until further notice.
How can travelers protect themselves?
We urge travelers to adhere to the new measures put in place by the government of Puerto Rico, which includes abiding by the new curfew rules and other measures. The new mandates are being strictly enforced, which means residents and tourists need to abide by these new policies or they will be subject to repercussions, which consist of a fine of up to $5,000 or being arrested.
Additionally, travelers should adhere to healthy travel practices to help protect themselves and prevent the spread of disease. These are the same personal best practices that are standard for a typical flu season and include avoiding close contact with people who show signs of illness, avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands, and washing your hands often with soap or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available. For more information, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) coronavirus (COVID-19) webpage.
What should travelers do if they begin experiencing COVID-19 symptoms? What immediate steps should they take?
Travelers experiencing COVID-19 symptoms should stay in their hotel rooms and contact their hotel front desk to get support. If travelers are not staying at a hotel, contact the nearest hospital directly. It’s important that travelers and hotel staff call hospitals first before going there, so that appropriate transportation, screening, and care can be arranged to protect those feeling ill and others.
What is the Island doing to prepare? What precautions is the Island taking to prevent the introduction / spread of coronavirus?
Like many states and cities across the U.S., the Governor of Puerto Rico declared a state of emergency to make additional resources available and has activated the National Guard as part of the Island’s measures to prepare. This is in addition to the funds previously made available on the Island to help our hospitals prepare to treat anyone with symptoms. The Governor of Puerto Rico also announced that all events on the Island have been postponed until May 3, 2020. In the capital of San Juan, specifically, all large events are being canceled until May 30, 2020.
Additionally, the government of Puerto Rico issued an Island-wide curfew for everyone, including tourists, through May 3, 2020. Curfew hours are from 7:00 PM - 5:00 AM. The only exceptions to the curfew are for those who are working or in cases of emergency. Strict social distancing measures are in place, where businesses such as malls, casinos, gyms, attractions like national parks and public beaches will be closed, with the exception of pharmacies, gas stations, banks, and supermarkets. Supermarkets, however, will be closed on Sundays. The Puerto Rico national guard will conduct enhanced screening measures at SJU, where all commercial flights are now being diverted into. This will consist of a brief verbal screening or temperature check via thermographic cameras. Additionally, rapid testing is being offered to incoming passengers, but is not compulsory. These measures make the process of screening all arriving passengers to the airport more efficient and reliable. All passengers (visitors and residents) must self-quarantine for 14 days upon arrival, regardless of symptoms.
The tourism industry in Puerto Rico has also taken specific steps to ensure that partners on the Island and their teams have the latest information on COVID-19, including prevention measures on the Island, personal prevention tips to use themselves and to share with travelers, cleaning and disinfecting protocols, and guidance for what to do if they or their guests begin experiencing symptoms.
What is the expected economic impact?
It is too early to estimate what impact it will have on the Island’s tourism industry. While we cannot predict the future, we feel confident in the precautionary measures and protocols in place on our Island. Like any destination, we’re watching the news about COVID-19 closely.
Are Island hospitals equipped to address coronavirus?
All hospitals on the Island have established protocols for admitting, treating, and collecting samples from patients who are experiencing symptoms, and hospital staff will work with the Department of Health if testing is needed. Funds have been made available on the Island to help hospitals prepare facilities, purchase materials, and train nurses and paramedic staff.
Puerto Rico also has epidemiologists throughout the Island, who specialize in disease control and prevention, to advise on transportation, testing, and care for individuals who think they may have COVID-19.
Does the Island have the funds necessary to adequately prepare for coronavirus?
Puerto Rico’s Financial Oversight and Management Board has made $5 million available so far to help the government prepare.
What guidance is being given to those in the tourism sector to prevent the spread of disease?
Along with the Puerto Rico Tourism Company (PRTC), we have provided guidance and information to all tourism partners. The industry has specific measures in place to ensure hotel management, businesses, and other partners have the latest information on COVID-19, including prevention measures on the Island, personal prevention tips for their teams and travelers, cleaning and disinfecting protocols, and guidance for what to do if their staff or guests begin experiencing symptoms.
Where will people be housed if they need to be quarantined?
These decisions will be made on a case-by-case basis with local health authorities. Hospitals are preparing facilities now for potential patients. If hotel guests are directed to self-isolate by the CDC, CBP or PRDH, there are protocols for management to follow to keep staff safe.
What will hotels, restaurants and tour operators do if a staff member tests positive?
The CDC has outlined specific guidance for businesses and employers, with information on what to do if employees are sick, cleaning advice and contingency planning.
Along with the Puerto Rico Tourism Company (PRTC), we have also provided guidance and information to all tourism partners. The industry has specific measures in place to ensure hotel management, businesses, and other partners within the industry have the latest information on COVID-19, including prevention measures on the Island, personal prevention tips for their teams and travelers, cleaning and disinfecting protocols, and guidance for what to do if their staff or guests begin experiencing symptoms.
It is critical to seek medical advice from a regional epidemiologist if you are concerned your guests or staff may have COVID-19. Symptoms include, but are not limited to, fever, cough, sore throat, fatigue and shortness of breath. The Puerto Rico Health Department has specific protocols in place with state epidemiologists to screen and test patients. More information on specific steps can be found in the latest industry guidance from the Puerto Rico Tourism Company.
What will hotels, restaurants and tour operators do if a tourist who has recently visited them tests positive?
Along with the Puerto Rico Tourism Company (PRTC), we have provided guidance and information to all tourism partners. The industry has specific measures in place to ensure hotel management, businesses, and other partners have the latest information on COVID-19, including prevention measures on the Island, personal prevention tips for their teams and travelers, cleaning and disinfecting protocols, and guidance for what to do if their staff or guests begin experiencing symptoms. More information on specific steps can be found in the latest industry guidance from the Puerto Rico Tourism Company. This guidance is consistent with what the CDC has outlined for businesses and employers.
Are there any closures in attractions, hotels, restaurants, events, and/or meeting venues?
The government of Puerto Rico issued an Island-wide curfew for everyone, including tourists, through May 3, 2020. Curfew hours are from 7:00 PM - 5:00 AM. The only exceptions to the curfew are for those who are working or in cases of emergency. Strict social distancing measures are in place, where businesses such as malls, casinos, gyms, attractions like national parks and public beaches are closed with the exception of pharmacies, gas stations, banks, and supermarkets - which will close at 8:00 PM. Supermarkets will be closed on Sundays. Restaurant delivery services have been extended to 10:00 PM. These mandates are being strictly enforced, which means residents and tourists need to abide by these new policies or they will be subject to significant repercussions, which consist of a fine of up to $5,000 or being arrested.
Additionally, the Island is promoting social distancing by suspending all large events on the Island until May 3, 2020. This is in accordance with the CDC’s guidance for large events and mass gatherings that recommends organizers (whether groups or individuals) cancel or postpone in-person events that consist of 50 people or more throughout the U.S. In the capital of San Juan, specifically, all large events are being canceled until May 30, 2020.
We are recommending that travelers connect with their hotels and/or hosts for more information about their specific protocols beyond these.
Given the curfew issued by the Governor of Puerto Rico, do tourists have to stay in their rooms?
Yes, unless they need to go to a pharmacy, supermarket or other essential business for a need. While recent government mandates may disrupt current tourism activity on the Island through May 3, 2020, keeping our visitors and residents safe is our number one priority right now.
Strict social distancing measures are in place, where businesses such as malls, casinos, gyms, and attractions such as state parks, golf courses, and beaches, are closed. The only businesses that will be open are pharmacies, gas stations, banks, and supermarkets - but they will close daily at 8:00 PM. Supermarkets will be closed on Sundays. Additionally, the government of Puerto Rico issued an Island-wide curfew for everyone, including tourists, through May 3, 2020. Curfew hours are from 7:00 PM - 5:00 AM. The only exceptions to the curfew are for those who are working or in cases of emergency. The only exceptions are those who are working or in cases of emergency. These mandates are being strictly enforced, which means residents and tourists need to abide by these new policies or they will be subject to significant repercussions, which consist of a fine of up to $5,000 or being arrested.
Hotels and other accommodation options remain open, however, public areas and amenities in hotels, such as spas, pools, golf courses and recreational areas will be closed. Room service will remain available for guests.
We recommend travelers speak to front desk personnel or their short-term rental hosts to better understand other accommodation protocols in place.
Can tourists staying at hotels use the pool and/or go to the beach?
No. Even though hotels remain open, public areas and amenities in hotels, such as spas, pools, golf courses and recreational areas will be closed. Tourists should remain in their rooms during the duration of their stay and practice social distancing. We recommend travelers reach out to their respective hotel property or short-term rental host for further guidance on protocols.
While these government mandates may disrupt your visit to the Island, keeping our visitors and residents safe is our number one priority right now.
Can I hang out in the lobby of my hotel when I’m in Puerto Rico?
Even though hotels remain open, public areas and amenities in hotels, such as spas, pools, golf courses and recreational areas will be closed. Room service will remain available for guests. Restaurants inside hotels will remain open but limited to those that can offer their services by way of carryout or delivery versus sit-down services. Bars inside restaurants will be closed.
Are the beaches OK to go to if I keep my distance from people?
Public beaches are closed. Following the recommendations of the Governor of Puerto Rico to prevent the spread of COVID-19, the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources announced the closure of all natural reserves, state forests, wildlife refuges, recreational areas and public beaches. These measures are in effect until May 3. These mandates are being strictly enforced, which means residents and tourists need to abide by these new policies or they will be subject to significant repercussions, which consist of a fine of up to $5,000 or being arrested. While these government mandates may disrupt your visit to the Island, keeping our visitors and residents safe is our number one priority right now.
If I am out on the street strolling, will I get in trouble?
The government of Puerto Rico is taking these mandates very seriously as the world is tackling the COVID-19 disease in hopes of slowing it down. By being out, you run the risk of being fined up to $5,000 or being arrested. We strongly encourage all visitors to abide by the new social distancing mandates put into place on the Island through May 3, 2020.