The COVID-19 pandemic in Curaçao was a part of the ongoing global viral pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which was documented for the first time in Curaçao on 13 March 2020. The case was a 68-year-old man who was on vacation from the Netherlands. By 9 July 2020, all cases resolved. On 15 July, a new case was discovered, and on 6 August all cases resolved again briefly until 10 August.
Background
On 12 January 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed that a novel coronavirus was the cause of a respiratory illness in a cluster of people in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China, which was reported to the WHO on 31 December 2019.
The case fatality ratio for COVID-19 has been much lower than SARS of 2003, but the transmission has been significantly greater, with a significant total death toll.
Timeline
March
On 13 March 2020, Prime Minister Eugene Rhuggenaath announced the first confirmed case of coronavirus in the country - a 68-year-old man who arrived from the Netherlands and had been vacationing in Curaçao. The second case was expected as it is the spouse of the first case. Since then everyone who has been in contact with the couple has been tested. Most of the cases came out negative but the results of two cases remain unsure and are under observation.
Following the announcement, the country announced that all flights coming from Europe would be halted.
On 18 March 2020, the first-diagnosed case in the country (68 year-old Dutch man) died at the Curaçao Medical Center. Two other cases were still being treated as of the 23rd.
On 27 March 2020, it was announced that an employee of the laboratory of the Curaçao Medical Center had tested positive. He had not been in contact with patients. As a precaution nine of his direct colleagues had been quarantined.
April
On 8 April 2020, it was announced that the ladies at the regulated brothel "Campo Alegre" / large open-air brothel called "Le Mirage" or "Campo Alegre" were allowed to be repatriated, however many feared losing their $500,- deposit.
On 9 April 2020, Raymond Knops, Dutch Minister of the Interior and Kingdom Relations, offered Curaçao an emergency loan of €90 million.
On 11 April 2020, medical supplies including 12 ICU beds had been sent from the Netherlands. This shipment will increase the number of ICU beds to 50.
On 13 April 2020, Zr. Ms. Karel Doorman was dispatched from Den Helder to assist with food aid, border control and public order. A coordination point in Martinique was set up to coordinate the border controls of the Dutch Caribbean, France and United Kingdom.
On 15 April 2020, Suzanne Camelia-Römer, the Minister of Health, announced that the Netherlands will send 82 American health care workers to Curaçao paid by the Dutch government, and that the Curaçao government has hired 28 health care workers from Cuba.
On 17 April 2020, the government announced a financial support program for companies, employees and the unemployed.
On 18 April 2020, Dr. Izzy Gerstenbluth announced that 286 have been tested and that 1,500 people have been repatriated. A step by step easing of measures is being planned.
On 21 April 2020, certain shops are allowed to open for delivery and the beaches are open between 06:00 and 09:00.
On 23 April 2020, all unemployed or underemployed will receive a food pass. The amount varies between 150 and 450 guilders.
Unregistered migrants mainly from Venezuela are eligible for food packages, but no monetary support, if they register.
On 24 April 2020, it was announced that there are now 16 positive cases. One of the two inclusive tests came back positive, and one of the American health workers who had tested positive before boarding, but decided to fly anyhow. There's a possibility that others have been infected. Curaçao, Aruba and the Netherlands have decided to return the American health workers due to breach of contract.
On 28 April 2020, the US Consulate has arranged for a repatriation flight on 10 May for American citizens stranded on Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao. The plane will leave from Queen Beatrix International Airport in Aruba and proceed to Hollywood International Airport in Fort Lauderdale.