Saint Vincent/Grenadines: Authorities increase self-quarantine requirement for international travelers from high and medium-risk countries /update 11

As of Jan. 20, health officials in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines have increased self-quarantine requirements for international travelers.

Event

Effective Jan. 20, authorities in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines have increased travel restrictions put in place to limit the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Self-quarantine measures for travelers from high-risk countries have been increased to 14 days; travelers from medium-risk countries must self-isolate for seven days. As of Jan. 20, the following measures are in effect:

Arriving passengers from high-risk countries, including the US, the UK, and Grenada, must present a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken in the last three days and test negative again upon arrival. Travelers must also self-quarantine in a government-approved facility for at least 14 days. On the seventh and tenth days, travelers will be tested for COVID-19. Proof of a pre-paid hotel reservation must be provided upon arrival.
Travelers from medium-risk countries, including Cuba, Antigua and Barbuda, and the British Virgin Islands, must provide negative results from a PCR test taken within three days prior to arrival and test negative again in an additional test taken upon arrival. In addition, travelers are required to quarantine in a government-approved facility for at least seven days. On the fourth day, travelers will be re-tested for COVID-19 and will be required to self-quarantine for an additional five days.
Travelers from low-risk countries, including Anguilla, Montserrat, and Saint Kitts and Nevis must produce proof of having tested negative for COVID-19 using a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test taken no later than three days prior to arrival. Travelers may be re-tested for COVID-19 upon arrival.
Passengers who are required to quarantine must travel from the airport to their accommodations in a government-approved taxi or vessel.
Persons who test positive upon arrival, regardless of approved documentation, will be subject to a mandatory 14-day self-quarantine.
Persons transiting through another country, must present a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within the past three days and test negative again on arrival.
Persons traveling by sea must provide the results of a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within three to seven days prior to arrival and a completed pre-travel risk assessment form to be submitted at least 48 hours prior to arrival. Those who test positive will be placed under mandatory quarantine for 14 days in a government-approved facility.
In-transit travelers must provide a negative result from a COVID-19 PCR taken within three days prior to arrival.

Argyle International Airport (AIA) is open and, while regional flights have resumed, other international flights are limited. All yachts must seek approval for entry before proceeding to a designated area for on-vessel quarantine. Travelers are also required to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test 24 hours prior to entry and a completed pre-arrival travel form. Air and maritime cargo traffic is operating normally.

The government has not enforced any major internal movement restrictions. The public is urged to practice social distancing and wear protective face coverings when in indoor public places. Authorities recommend against any indoor gathering with more than 10 people, or any outdoor gathering with more than 20 people. Major supermarkets must restrict the number of customers to allow for physical distancing. Authorities could reimpose, extend, further 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. 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 disposable tissues, 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.