Puerto Rico this week is dropping almost all travel-related COVID-19 restrictions for home vacationers from the U.S. as case counts on the island proceed to fall.
Beginning Thursday, home guests from the U.S. will now not want to point out proof of vaccination or a negative coronavirus test to enter.
Masks will now not be required in indoor or outside venues, with some exceptions, Governor Pedro Pierluisi announced Monday. Sure areas, comparable to well being services, will nonetheless require face coverings.
Officers suggest that folks proceed to put on masks indoors when the vaccination standing of others is unknown. Vacationers can even nonetheless have to put on a masks on the aircraft trip to Puerto Rico, because the U.S. federal masks mandate is in impact until at least March 18.
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Puerto Rico can also be lifting all capability restrictions. At the moment, sure indoor venues like eating places, bars, theaters and stadiums should cap capacity at 75%. The Well being Division will proceed to problem particular protocols for occasions with greater than 1,000 attendees.
Moreover, companies like eating places and bars will now not have to display prospects for proof of vaccination or a adverse coronavirus check earlier than permitting entry.
“Particular person institutions reserve the suitable to implement their very own necessities surrounding masks and COVID-19 protocols, and guests are inspired to contact companies immediately,” reads a press release from the vacation spot advertising group Uncover Puerto Rico.
Vacationers will now not have to fill out a journey declaration kind – which included info on their vaccination standing or coronavirus check outcomes – earlier than exiting the airport in Puerto Rico. Airports will proceed to supply facilities for voluntary coronavirus testing.
Most vacationers coming into from outdoors the U.S. will nonetheless have to show proof of vaccination to enter the U.S. territory.
Reported COVID-19 instances in Puerto Rico have been declining since early January, and the island is now reporting a seven-day average of fewer than 250 cases per day – a fraction of the ten,000-plus reported at first of the 12 months, in response to knowledge from Johns Hopkins University.
Observe USA TODAY reporter Bailey Schulz on Twitter: @bailey_schulz.
