Saint Lucia: Authorities extend COVID-19 restrictions on social activities until at least December 14. /update 2

Event

Authorities have extended stricter restrictions on mass gatherings and social activities in response to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic through at least Dec. 14. Individuals must continue to adhere to directives on social distancing, enhanced sanitization, and wearing facemasks in public spaces. The following specific restrictions on business and group activities are also in place:

• Individuals are encouraged to work from home where possible and reduce in-person meetings.

• Business operations and commercial activities must end by 2100 daily.

• Mass gatherings and social activities are prohibited, including celebratory events of any kind.

• Religious services and special rites and ceremonies (christenings, weddings, and funerals) are limited to 25 people within the place of worship.

• All bars must close by 1600, and alcohol may only be purchased for off-premises consumption; customers may not gather inside or outside of bars.

• Supermarkets, gas stations, restaurants, and food establishments may sell alcohol on a carryout basis until 2100. Dine-in services are not allowed.

• All team and competitive sporting activities, including indoor and outdoor training, competitions, gym workouts, or social activities, are suspended. One-on-one training sessions are exempt from this provision.

International entry restrictions also remain in effect. Regardless of country origin, all travelers aged five and over arriving by sea or air must produce proof of having tested negative for COVID-19 using a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test taken within seven days before arrival. Travelers aged 18 and over must also complete a Travel Registration seven days or more before travel, as well as a Health Screening Form. Passengers in transit with a same-day onward journey do not require travel authorization.

Quarantine measures and other movement restrictions will depend on the traveler's country or territory of origin as follows:

• Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Travel Bubble: Provided the traveler has remained in the travel bubble for at least 21 days, no quarantine will be required and the traveler may stay in any accommodation except those properties that have been certified for travelers from outside the bubble. The travel bubble includes Antigua and Barbuda, Anguilla, Barbados, Dominica, and Montserrat.

• Returning Nationals and Residents: All returning nationals and residents from outside the travel bubble must complete a 14-day quarantine. Quarantine arrangements must be confirmed before travel at a COVID-19 certified accommodation or government-operated quarantine facility. Applications for home quarantine approval are possible.

• International Travelers: Travelers are required to remain at their COVID-19 certified accommodations for the duration of their stay or for 14 days, except to participate in certified activities, tours, and excursions. Visitors may leave the certified property and travel freely after 14 days. This applies to all travelers from the US, UK, Canada, and all other areas outside the CARICOM Travel Bubble.

• Marine Arrivals: For travelers from outside the CARICOM Travel Bubble, if fewer than 14 days are spent at sea, the remainder of the 14-day quarantine period must be observed at anchor, at a designated quarantine dock, or in a COVID-19 certified property in accordance with marine protocols. Persons on vessels arriving at night must remain on board until the following morning when they will be checked by Port Health authorities.

Authorities could reimpose, extend, ease, or otherwise amend 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 and protocols. Emphasize basic health precautions, especially frequent handwashing 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