After our dushi Kòrsou was hit by COVID-19 earlier this year and we were forced to go into lockdown for more than a month, we have managed to effectively keep our island COVID-free for months thanks to swift and vigorous actions. COVID-19 has recently made its appearance on our island and it is extremely important that we, as a community, work together to keep it under control.
The guidelines and regulations that were used very effectively in March, April and May have enabled us to lead a reasonably “normal” life in recent months, unlike many other countries. Even our borders have opened again and we have been able to gently bring our people home from abroad as well as started to welcome tourists, which is essential for our economy and employment.
We all remember the dire consequences that a general lockdown entails for all of us, as citizens, as entrepreneurs and as employees. We, as a community, must ensure that all guidelines and regulations recommended by our authorities are followed as soon as possible. This is the only way the virus can be dealt with before it gets out of hand to such an extent that we are obliged to take extreme measures, such as a second lock down with all its consequences.
We hereby appeal to the community to immediately take all precautions that proved so successful a few months ago. In particular social distancing, frequent hand washing, avoid gatherings or meetings (especially inside), and, where social distancing is difficult to guarantee, the use of face masks.
We also make an urgent appeal to our members and colleagues from the commercial sector to immediately comply with all regulations and guidelines as recommended by our authorities in order to prevent further spread of the virus. This way can we prevent Curacao from getting into a situation where a lockdown is needed again. Let us work together to prevent our people from being exposed to this virus and our community from suffering the consequences of a second lockdown.
As the commercial sector, let us show our compassion, leadership and commitment to this community by word and deed, by doing everything necessary on our part to prevent further spread of COVID-19. Together we can prevent a second lock down. We count on the cooperation of our entire community.
Avoid spreading! Prevent a 2nd Lock down!
Willemstad, August 26, 2020
COPDA CIFA CMA DMO
ASOGAS CHATA IMANA SKO
BVCA CCDA KVK AAV
PMD CRA
Click here to download CHATA’s Best Practice Protocol. Keep in mind that this is a guide for your business. All businesses offering customer service must adhere to the Hygiene protocol standards customized realistically to your business.
Click here to review the statement in Dutch.
Click here to review the statement in Papiamentu.
