Puerto Rico to reopen beaches, marinas and pools from January 8

Puerto Rico's beaches, marinas, and pools will open from January 8 onwards after a lockdown to curb the spread of COVID-19. The Puerto Rican governor Pedro Pierluisi published an easing of restrictions that, along with reopening beaches, the country will eliminate a weekly Sunday lockdown and a reduced curfew, which has been in place since the beginning of the pandemic.The nightly curfew will now be starting at 11 p.m. rather than 9 p.m. and will lift at 5 a.m. each morning.The eased restrictions will begin on Jan. 8. Other restrictions, like limited capacity at eateries, museums, and casinos and closure of bars, will remain in effect—guidelines like social distancing and wearing face protection when in public also remain in place. Previously, the banks had only been open at select hours during the day for those practicing "individual sports." When the banks reopen, visitors will be required to abide by social distancing guidelines, and misuse of alcohol will be prohibited. The new rules will remain in effect for 30 days but can be changed at any time, should the island experience another spike in COVID-19 cases. "Our aim is to be to be able to return to a new normal," Pierluisi said, according to The AP. "We have to keep taking precautionary measures in the meantime."Although the island is reacting to normal, tourism company, Discover Puerto Rico said it is "encouraging only necessary or essential travel at this time," according to their website. Travelers with essential trips are needed to fill out an online Travel Declaration Form during the Puerto Rico Health Department and present the results of a negative COVID-19 test, taken no more than 72 hours before their arrival on the island. Those without test events must quarantine upon arrival. Puerto Rico has reported more than 127,000 approved cases of COVID-19 and more than 1,200 deaths reported to the virus.