Puerto Rico wanted tourism in the island, and encouraged U.S. citizens from the mainland to visit. Gov. Wanda Vázquez announced a campaign to promote that the island would "formally reopen for in-bound tourism on July 15" with new safety mandates for visitors. The plan seems it has backfired, the number of COVID-19 cases have risen at the same time that the island welcomed more tourist. The government has also received more complaints that many tourists aren't following safety guidelines to minimize the virus spread.
Gov. Wanda Vázquez has also rolled back multiple reopening efforts, ordering bars, gyms, marinas, theaters and casinos to close down again until July 31. The rollbacks include the prohibition of alcohol sales after 7 p.m., restaurants to be at 50% capacity, and restricting beach access only to those who are exercising. While maintaining the 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. curfew.
Just last week, the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases jumped by more than 1,000. Small business owners are worried about the tourists and not complying with the orders to wear masks and practice physical distancing. Tickets to Puerto Rico are currently inexpensive; a one-way flight in August from San Antonio and Austin, or other cities can go from $29 to $39.
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