US GOVERNMENT CALLS ON AMERICANS TO STOP TRAVELING TO CURAÇAO
WASHINGTON DC – The American RIVM (the CDC) has labeled Curaçao as a very high-risk area and has colored it dark red on the map (Level 4) because of an increase in infections. Americans are strongly advised not to travel to Curaçao.
After there were practically no infections on the island for months, there has been an increase since mid-July. While the numbers are still well below their early April peak, and most of the population is now vaccinated, that’s no reason for the CDC to forgo Level 4.
Subsequently, the State Department (the Ministry of Foreign Affairs) also adjusted the travel advice. It is a downer for Curaçao, because American tourists are a main source of income. At the same time, not all Americans will care.
The other Caribbean islands in the Kingdom have less negative travel advice. Saba and St. Eustatius are classified in Level 1 (low risk), Bonaire in Level 2 (limited risk) and Aruba and St. Maarten in Level 3 (high risk, but no problem if you are fully vaccinated).
Incidentally, the Netherlands has been classified as Level 4 (very high risk) for much longer, but the consequences are limited because American tourists are not important for the economy.