It’s been a long six months of restricted travel, leaving many of us anxious to go just about anywhere. With country borders and attractions starting to reopen, things are beginning to look promising for us to get back to our travel routines. Puerto Rico is the latest island to make the news with plans to reopen.
Last week, Puerto Rico’s governor announced that she would reopen beaches, casinos, gyms, and movie theaters across the U.S. territory as officials report a drop in COVID-19 cases and deaths. Before this announcement, beaches had only been open to surfers and joggers, but are now open to everyone.
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Beachgoers will still be required to wear face masks and physically distance themselves from others, and the current curfew from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. will remain in effect.
“We cannot lower our guard,” said Gov. Wanda Vázquez. “There’s an invisible enemy in our environment, and we have to learn to deal with him.”
As part of the new executive order, Vázquez said, she will lift a 24-hour lockdown on Sundays and allow restaurants to increase their capacity from 25% to 50%.
The island of 3.2 million people has reported more than 500 deaths, along with more than 17,000 confirmed cases and another 19,000 probable cases, but pandemic cases have improved over the past three weeks.
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As an unincorporated territory of the U.S., Puerto Rico follows the same entry restrictions which are outlined by the CDC. All visitors to the island must show proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than 72 hours prior to arrival and fill out a Travel Declaration Form. If you are planning a future trip to Puerto Rico, be prepared for additional screening measures.