(by Steve Hopkins)

As organizers are putting the final touches on what promises to be one of the premiere table tennis events of this Spring, there has been some good news from officials in Puerto Rico regarding travel restrictions.  More specifically, the strict rules requiring a period of isolation for unvaccinated travelers have been softened and it is now possible for travelers on domestic flights from the US to simply show a negative COVID test.

With 60 teams already signed up, and this travel hurdle removed, expect to see a flurry of registration activity in February (especially from US teams who were watching the travel restrictions closely).

Obviously, there will continue to be local measures in place designed to keep travelers and residents safe.  But a softening of travel restrictions signals not just easier travel but also the belief by officials in Puerto Rico that COVID-19 is a diminishing threat.

See the details below.

As of February 2, regulations associated with travel to Puerto Rico have changed for both vaccinated and unvaccinated travelers.

• Vaccinated travelers are no longer required to present a negative test.  
• Unvaccinated travelers arriving from the USA can now show a negative test in order to avoid any quarantine. 
  • For American travelers (anyone arriving on a domestic flight from the USA), you may show an antigen or PCR test by an authorized health provider taken within 48 hours before arrival OR you may quarantine upon arrival and take the test in Puerto Rico within your first 48 hours (with your quarantine ending as soon as a negative result is produced).
• Unvaccinated travelers arriving in Puerto Rico on an international flight (non-USA flight) must still provide a negative COVID test taken within one day of departure along with proof of vaccination.
• For those who have tested positive for COVID within the previous 90 days (depending upon your travel plans that would likely need to be after January 10), travelers may present a certified medical health certificate from a doctor stating full recovers along with proof of the positive test from the previous diagnosis.

*This summary of travel regulations is taken from DiscoverPuertoRico.com, please visit that page for the latest information including a phone number and email address for specific questions and information about the Travel Declaration Form on the Puerto Rico Health Department’s online portal. The actual Executive Order is listed as Boletin Administrativo Num. OE-2022-007

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