Jamaica: Variant strain of COVID-19 prompts authorities to ban all travel to and from the UK Dec. 23-Jan. 4, 2021 /update 16

Event

Health authorities in Jamaica will ban all travel to and from the UK from 0001 Dec. 23 until at least Jan. 4, 2021. The ban is in response to the spread of a variant strain of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in the UK. Persons arriving from the UK before the ban goes into effect will be subjected to a minimum of 48-hour quarantine at a state facility and a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test. Persons who test negative will be released to complete their 14-day self-quarantine, while those who test positive will remain in state quarantine until they have recovered.

The measures are in addition to other COVID-19-related travel protocols and internal measures, which are likely to remain in place through at least the start of 2021.

International Travel
All other international travel protocols remain unchanged as of Dec. 22. Except for travel from the UK, all ports of entry are open to nonresident foreign travelers, citizens, and legal citizens, and all arriving passengers will be subject to strict health screenings and assessments. All travelers require authorization prior to travel, requested up to five days before planned departure. In most cases, arriving passengers will be required to complete a 14-day self-quarantine, but will be permitted to leave their home once a day to go to the closest location to obtain food, medical supplies, or medical services and conduct financial transactions. Other entry and quarantine requirements for travelers are:

Travel from high-risk locations: All nonresident foreign travelers over the age of 12 arriving from the US, Brazil, Dominican Republic, and Mexico are required to present a negative COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or antigen test upon arrival; the test must be taken no more than 10 days before travel from an accredited laboratory. All travelers from these locations are required to self-quarantine for 14 days, regardless of a negative COVID-19 test result.
Citizens and legal residents: Travelers are required to self-quarantine for 14 days upon arrival, regardless of a negative COVID-19 test result.
Nonresident business travelers: Travelers will be tested for COVID-19 upon arrival and must self-quarantine for 14 days, or until a negative test result is confirmed, if the stay is shorter than 14 days.
Nonresidents staying in the Resilient Corridor: Travelers for tourism purposes may leave their hotel room and resort, provided they remain in the Resilient Corridor. This area includes the northern coast from Negril, Westmoreland, to Port Antonio, Portland, as well as the southern coast from Milk River, Clarendon, to Negril.
Nonresidents staying outside the Resilient Corridor: Travelers for all nonbusiness purposes are required to self-quarantine for 14 days, regardless of a negative COVID-19 test result.

All travelers assessed to be high-risk may be subject to additional health tests at the airport. Travelers with a positive COVID-19 test result will be required to isolate at home or an approved government facility for 14 days.

Domestic Restrictions
Authorities will enforce a 2200-0500 nightly curfew through Jan. 15, except on holidays, when the measure will be tightened. The curfew hours for Dec. 25, 26, and Jan. 1, 2021, will be 1900-0500. As previously, public transport will be allowed to operate one hour before and after the curfew to facilitate the pick-up and drop-off of passengers.

Officials have not announced any changes to previously enforced internal restrictions, which will likely remain in place as long as the curfew lasts. Persons aged 65 and over are urged to self-isolate. Individuals must continue to maintain at least 1.8 meters (6 feet) between each other and must wear a facemask in public spaces. Taxis and other transport operators can carry one person less than that allowed under their license. Public gatherings are limited to a maximum of 15 people. Funerals, parties, and other events remain banned; however, burials and church services may continue under the 15 person limit.

Authorities could further tighten, reimpose, extend, ease, or otherwise amend any restrictions with little-to-no notice depending on disease activity over the coming weeks.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance.

Emphasize basic health precautions, especially frequent hand-washing with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable. Practice good coughing/sneezing etiquette (i.e., covering coughs and sneezes with a disposable tissue, maintaining distance from others, and washing hands). There is no evidence that the influenza vaccine, antibiotics, or antiviral medications will prevent this disease, highlighting the importance of diligent basic health precautions.