Antigua and Barbuda: Authorities to enforce tightened COVID-19-related curfew 1800-0500 and stricter restrictions Feb. 16-March 15 /update 14

Event

Effective Feb. 16, authorities in Antigua and Barbuda will tighten movement and business restrictions as part of the ongoing coronavirus disease (COVID-19)-related state of emergency in place until March 31. The stricter measures will last until at least March 15. Nationwide requirements for individuals to wear a facemask in public spaces and for businesses to observe sanitization and social distancing protocols by ensuring no less than 6 feet (2 meters) between individuals remain in effect until further notice.

Under the new restrictions in place until March 15, the hours of the nightly curfew will be increased from 2300-0500 to 1800-0500. Residents are not allowed outside their homes during curfew hours; essential and critical services are exempt. The number of people allowed to gather at any time has been reduced from 10 people to a maximum of five people. However, weddings and funerals are still limited to 25 people in attendance, and wakes, after-funeral gatherings, and wedding receptions remain banned. During this period, bars and gyms will remain closed, and restaurants are only permitted to offer take-away services.

International Travel
Authorities are maintaining various entry requirements and enhanced health screening for all arriving travelers. All persons intending to travel to Antigua and Barbuda must complete a health declaration form. Persons aged 12 and over arriving by air must present a negative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test result taken within seven days before their arrival.

As part of inter-regional recovery plans, persons arriving from the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) travel bubble countries of Anguilla, Barbados, British Virgin Islands, Dominica, Grenada, Montserrat, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines will undergo mandatory health screenings upon arrival but will not be subject to quarantine protocols, provided they have stayed in the travel bubble for 14 consecutive days.

All passengers arriving from outside the CARICOM travel bubble will be subject to quarantine protocols as determined by the Quarantine Authority and may be required to undergo further COVID-19 testing on arrival or at the hotel or lodging place as determined by the Health Authorities. Passengers arriving for medical treatment or procedures must comply with the Ministry of Health's guidelines for the transfer of patients. Passengers arriving by sea are subject to quarantine measures as determined by the Port Health Authorities.

Authorities could 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. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions.

Resources

World Health Organization (WHO)
Government COVID-19 Information