Montserrat: Authorities extend existing COVID-19-related curfew through Feb. 28; some business restrictions to be eased Feb. 21 /update 14

Event

Authorities in Montserrat have extended the country's existing 24-hour daily curfew through at least Feb. 28 as part of efforts to curb the spread of COVID-19; the measure was originally slated to expire on Feb. 21. Under the curfew restrictions, all persons must remain at home except to engage in essential activities at businesses that have been approved to remain open. Only one person per household may attend to essential shopping.

At the same time, the government announced plans to ease some restrictions placed on certain businesses. Beginning 0500 Feb. 21, banks, gas stations, bakeries, grocery stores, wholesale businesses, agricultural produce businesses, and money transfer businesses may operate between the hours of 0800-1600 - a four-hour increase in permitted business hours as compared with the 0800-1200 time frame in effect as of Feb. 19. Pharmacies may be open for business 0800-1800, as has previously been the case, and medical offices must still operate by appointment only. While farms, fisheries, and undertakers may also continue to operate, all other businesses must remain closed.

Other domestic restrictions remain largely unchanged. Buses and taxis may operate with prior approval. Residents may exercise alone or with one other member of the same household between 0600-0800 and 1600-1800. Long-standing pandemic-related protocols for businesses and various facilities will probably remain in place until further notice. Establishments must enforce social distancing measures, use enhanced sanitization procedures, and comply with other sector-specific precautionary measures. All persons are required to wear protective face coverings.

International Travel
Aside from permanent residents, homeowners, and their dependents, entry is restricted to business travelers, vacationers renting unoccupied premises for more than two months, individuals granted a remote employment stamp, and legal professionals who plan to appear in court. Aircraft and ship crew members are also allowed entry.

Travelers allowed to enter Montserrat must submit an access declaration form at least 72 hours ahead of booking their travel and possess proof of having tested negative for COVID-19 within five days prior to arrival. Most arriving travelers must also self-quarantine for 14 days from the date of entry. Those who qualify as nonresident technicians must additionally take a second COVID-19 test upon arrival. Aircraft and ship crew members, individuals holding remote employment stamps, and people with work permits issued by the Montserrat government are exempt from the quarantine measure. Travelers may also self-quarantine at a designated facility for five days, after which they may leave the premises if they have taken an additional COVID-19 test and received negative results. There is no travel ban on international cargo transport.

Authorities may amend their travel and business restrictions with little-to-no notice, depending on COVID-19 activity.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements.

Resources

World Health Organization (WHO)
Government of Montserrat - COVID-19 Updates
Government of Montserrat - Access Declaration Form