Parties in clubs, full terraces and few people who keep enough distance. It is as if Dutch holidaymakers on Curaçao are fleeing all corona measures. In videos on social media, corona sometimes does not seem to exist on the Caribbean island.
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The behavior is a lot of criticism for the holidaymakers. “People think: oh, we can go to Curaçao? Well then we can also have a drink and also have a party ”, SP Member of Parliament Ronald van Raak remarks. “Yes, that is not possible and you can now see that in those films.”
He fears that holidaymakers will be able to take corona back to our country as a result. “Earlier, during the holidays in Northern Italy, we also saw that a lot of people brought back the virus. I thought we would have learned something from that anyway, but unfortunately that turns out not to be the case yet. ”
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Record number of new infections
Last week, travel organizations noticed a significant increase in the number of bookings to Curaçao, after the statements of Prime Minister Mark Rutte. At his press conference, he issued an “urgent” negative travel advice for travel abroad until mid-January, but also said the Caribbean part of the kingdom is outside that advice.
The number of infections in Curaçao remained very low for a long time, but since the past few weeks the number of positive tests has also been steadily increasing there. 51 new cases were reported on Wednesday, a day record for the island. This puts the number of infections at about 32 per 100,000 inhabitants, almost the same as the Dutch figures at the moment.
Also read: Curaçao man hears during flight that he is infected with corona virus
It is not yet clear what the source is for many infections. The local government has announced that it is being investigated whether there has been a specific meeting where many people have contracted the virus. More than thirty of the newly tested positive people cannot be linked to existing cases.
‘Unsafe situation’ according to residents
Islanders fear that the increase is partly due to the large numbers of Dutch people now flooding the island. The massive ignoring of the corona rules is also a cause for concern.
Curaçao DJ Alain made an appeal on Instagram to warn people. “Don’t ask me to come and play in your villa at your busy illegal private party! My answer is definitely no! ”, He emphasizes firmly. “When will it come to your mind that corona and measures disappear much faster if you follow the rules? Even if you are on vacation on Curaçao! ”
A curfew has been in effect on the island since September 14, and dance and music activities were banned a month earlier. But Curaçaoans tell us Heart of the Netherlands that parties continue unhindered. “People are all sitting there against each other, it’s really not a safe situation.”
‘Travel advice cannot be explained’
There is also criticism of holidaymakers from the Netherlands. Member of Parliament Van Raak therefore argues for the cabinet to advise against holiday travel to the island. “You cannot go to the Canary Islands, but you can go to Curaçao. That is actually impossible to explain, ”said the SP.
Also read: These additional corona measures took effect on Wednesday last week
“Be clear”, is his message to the government. “If we agree that it is better not to go abroad, then you should not allow that either.” The Dutch in Curaçao calls on Van Raak to behave. “You know there are strict rules, so even if you have had a few beers and even if it is very pleasant, just behave. Come on.”
The Ministry of Health says it will monitor the situation and will contact the authorities on the Caribbean island on Thursday. “For anyone who takes a holiday on Curaçao or elsewhere in the Caribbean part of the kingdom, you must always comply with the applicable measures.” The ministry does not want to anticipate a possible tightening of travel advice.
Photo: Instagram
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