Arrow Down

New Executive Order Amending Several COVID-19 Restrictions and New Travel Health Notice

By: Alicia Lamboy, Esq.

April 8, 2021

On April 8, 2021, the Hon. Pedro R. Pierluisi, Governor of Puerto Rico, issued Executive Order 2021-026 (the “Order”), aimed at managing the COVID-19 pandemic. Due to the increase in COVID-19 cases, this Order reinstates certain restrictions that were previously relaxed in Executive Order 2021-019, including those concerning the operation of commercial establishments.  The most significant changes for businesses include:

  • Increased the curfew period from 10:00 pm to 5:00 am. The previous curfew was from 12:00 am to 5:00 am.
  • Reduced the business operation hours from 5:00 am to 9:00 pm. Previous operational hours were from 5:00 am to 11:00 pm.
  • Operation of all services and businesses that are not expressly prohibited remains at a maximum occupancy capacity of fifty percent (50%) if the establishment has a closed environment.
  • Maintains the authorization to operate theaters, amphitheaters, and activity centers at thirty percent (30%) occupancy, but limited to the period between 5:00 am and 9:00 pm.
  • Reinstalls the requirement to obtain a waiver prior to events, such as, corporate activities, pageants, and fairs.

Other provisions of Executive Order 2021-019 were adopted in this Order. These include fines for individuals and businesses that fail to comply with current mandates on COVID-19 restrictions. The new Order will be effective on April 9, 2021.
In addition, the Center for Diseases Control and Prevention of the Department of Health and Human Services (CDC) recently raised the Travel Health Notice (THN) level of Puerto Rico to Level 4 (very high level of COVID-19). Level 4 implies that travelers should avoid all travel to Puerto Rico unless necessary, in which case the CDC provides several recommendations to travelers including to be fully vaccinated before travel.
Goldman Antonetti & Córdova, LLC stands ready to assist you and your business to adjust to Puerto Rico’s regulatory and legal changes. If you need further assistance in this area, please contact any of the following members of our Firm:

Alicia Lamboy-Mombille 787.759.4144
Francisco Dox 787.759.4220
Gretchen M. Méndez-Vilella 787.759.4207
Arnaldo Villamil 787.759.4148

 

Disclaimer: Although the information included in this document may concern legal issues, it is not a legal opinion or professional advice and clients shall not use it as such. We assume no responsibility or liability of any kind for any information contained herein, and we expressly disclaim all liability for any claim for damages arising from the use, reference to, or reliance on, such information. If legal or other expert assistance is required, the services of a competent professional should be sought.

Goldman Antonetti & Cordóva, LLC | 787-759-8000 | www.gaclaw.com