Travellers cautioned against travel to B’dos
THE United States-based Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is recommending that travellers avoid all non-essential international travel to Barbados.
“Travellers at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19 should consider postponing all travel, including essential travel, to Barbados. COVID-19 risk in Barbados is high. If you get sick in Barbados and need medical care, resources may be limited,” the CDC said.
“Local policies at your destination may require you to be tested for COVID-19 before you are allowed to enter the country. If you test positive on arrival, you may be required to isolate for a period of time. You may even be prevented from returning to the United States, as scheduled. You might consider getting tested before your trip,” the CDC also indicated to travellers.
The US Embassy in Barbados meanwhile has asked travellers to note that the Eastern Caribbean is currently under a Level 3 Travel Advisory and they should reconsider travel due to health and safety measures and COVID-19 related conditions.
“Due to the increasing number of cases of COVID-19 in the Eastern Caribbean, many countries have strengthened measures to combat the further spread of the virus. We urge American citizens to adhere to the country’s laws, and regulations and health protocols in effect,” the Embassy said in a statement, focusing on the Eastern Caribbean COVID-19 Status as of 7 August, 2020.
“Many countries in the Eastern Caribbean have also put into place travel restrictions and other health-related measures, to include mandatory health screening. Some require advanced COVID testing, with valid negative test results prior to arrival, testing upon arrival and retesting after a certain number of days. Arriving travellers may also be subject to mandatory quarantine and/or monitoring, which may be restricted to a government-designated facility or an officially approved accommodation only,” the statement added.
The Embassy also pointed out the entry and exit requirements, pointing out that a traveller’s risk category will be determined by the highest risk level associated with any country that they have travelled to or transited through, within 21 days prior to travel to Barbados.
High-risk countries listed include the USA, Brazil, India, Mexico, Argentina, Peru, Colombia, South Africa, Indonesia, Philippines, and Russia.
Medium-risk countries include Canada, UK, Spain, Italy, Germany, France, Portugal, Sweden, Australia, Egypt, Ghana, China, Japan, Sri Lanka. Suriname, Haiti, Dominican Republic, and Jamaica.
Low-risk countries noted are Uruguay, Cuba, New Zealand, Finland, Norway, Iceland, Greenland, Guyana, and CARICOM states, except those indicated in the Medium-Risk category and countries within the “Bubble”. Countries within the “Bubble” are listed as Saint Lucia, St. Kitts & Nevis, Grenada, Dominica and St. Vincent & The Grenadines.
The Embassy has however advised travellers that during their stay in Barbados, for their safety and those around them, they must abide by all health protocols established, in relation to COVID-19, including physical distancing, hygiene practices, wearing of face masks and all other relevant measures. They should also report any COVID-19 symptoms to public health officials or relevant hotel/accommodation management. (RSM)