01/07/2020
Every year at New Year’s Eve I think of the year to come. I always have such high hopes that the new year will bring good health, happiness and wealth to all my friends and family. It is hard to believe what has happened in just the first 6 months of 2020! I never would have thought in a million years that we would all be facing a worldwide pandemic, sky-rocketing unemployment, the closing of our borders and racial riots. It’s scary to think what the second half of the year will bring! Our deepest sympathies go out to those that have lost loved ones during this time.
But I remain so very hopeful! There are bright spots in this very bleak time! And one of them is my beloved Aruba!
On March 13th, Aruba disclosed its first Covid-19 positive patient. It was an individual that had traveled to Aruba from Egypt that had flown through New York. They were on the island for work purposes. Soon after, 2 new cases were disclosed. Aruba acted quickly and on March 15th, announced it would close all of its borders to all incoming and outgoing tourists and residents. For approximately one week, people scrambled to find flights out as all non-residents were asked to kindly leave the island. The airport was closed down effectively by March 25th and no flights have been arriving or leaving since that time except for a few humanitarian flights for residents to get back to the island.
The GOOD news – Aruba was able to limit the spread of infection to 101 cases and had eliminated all COVID-19 cases by May 20th! (Incredible right!!)
Tragically, they also had 3 deaths as a result of the virus.
Unfortunately, last week 2 new cases were identified. These were residents that came back to Aruba on a humanitarian flight from South America and have tested positive. However, both were already in quarantine and we remain hopeful that there was no other spread! Time will tell…
I want to recognize the incredible efforts by the people of Aruba. They were able to not only flatten the curve, but get to ZERO! I commend them for their strength and courage. However, the people of Aruba have suffered greatly as 95% of their economy is tourism related. Our hearts go out to them as all of the resorts remained closed and restaurants and shops shut down for so long. However, the island is starting to open up now, restaurants are able to open, school is back in session, and now the airport is OPEN! Yes! Effective July first, the first few flights are scheduled to arrive from Canada and Europe! Flights are scheduled for the first Americans to arrive on July 10th! We cannot wait to get back to our happy place!
So what is Aruba doing to protect its island, its people and its visitors?
On a normal weekly basis, Aruba has about 20,000 people arriving to the island. This will be limited to 2,000 for the first month or so. The airlines worked with the Aruban government and Aruba Airport Authority to re-configure their flights to adhere to the number of passenger limitations. Procedures have been put in place to screen arriving passengers for any sign of the virus.
Entry Requirements Prior to Boarding:
• Completion of the online “ED” card which includes a Self-Health Declaration form.
• Obligatory COVID insurance. Insurance covers costs of quarantine/isolation accommodation and medical care when required. The cost is estimated at $15 per day per person.
• Option to upload negative COVID19 PCR test result of test taken within 72 hours of travel OR testing upon arrival on Aruba.
• Masks required during flight and in the airport.
Upon arrival at Aruba Airport:
• 100% Thermal camera screening.
• Symptom screening.
• PCR rapid test for all that did not upload the negative test.
As far as our home in Aruba goes, we will be working on putting a number of measures in place to ensure the health and safety of our guests. We have obtained the preliminary approval for the new designation from Aruba called the “Aruba Health and Happiness Code” seal which indicates we meet stringent cleanliness guidelines and protocols.
We hope that the world continues to make positive strides against this disease and that a vaccine is found quickly!
David and I have our flights booked for July and are excited to get back as soon as we can! We will keep you posted on any new developments! Until then, let’s stay positive that we can all get through this together!
Masha Danki!
