Puerto Rico to demand COVID-19 test results from passengers

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) — Puerto Rico’s governor on Tuesday announced strict new rules for all passengers flying into Puerto Rico in a bid to curb coronavirus cases as officials blame recent outbreaks on those who flew to the US territory and were infected.

Starting July 15, all passengers have to wear a mask and must take a molecular test 72 hours prior to their arrival and submit the results to officials at the airport.

Those who refuse to do so, or tested positive, or do not have the test results available, will be forced into a two-week quarantine.

During that time, they have to undergo a molecular test and share the results if they want to be released from quarantine, said Puerto Rico Health Secretary Lorenzo González.

“If you don’t want to be tested, stay home. Don’t come here and complicate our situation,” he said.

Most molecular tests involve a nose or throat swab and are used to diagnose an active infection.

Puerto Rico’s government will not accept any other test, including antibody ones that require a finger stick or blood drawn.

The island of 3.2 million people is emerging from a lockdown that began in mid-March.

The government has reported at least 153 deaths, along with more than 1,690 confirmed cases and more than 5,770 probable ones.

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