Saint Lucia: Authorities to enforce slightly loosened COVID-19-related restrictions from Dec. 15 /update 19

Event

Authorities have announced a set of slightly loosened restrictions on business operations and social activities which take effect Dec. 15-Jan. 11, in response to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. Individuals must continue to adhere to directives on social distancing, enhanced sanitization, and wearing facemasks in public spaces. The following new and existing restrictions on business and group activities take effect Dec. 15:

Individuals are still encouraged to work from home where possible and reduce in-person meetings.
Business operations and commercial activities must end by 2300 daily (extended from 2100).
Social gatherings will be permitted with groups of up to no more than 25 people. Mass gathering social events and parties of any kind remain prohibited.
Regular religious services are permitted subject to square footage capacity guidelines. Special rites and ceremonies (christenings, weddings, and funerals) are limited to 50 people (up from 25) within the place of worship.
Restaurants and bars may reopen for dine-in services until 2300 and may serve alcohol within the premises and on a takeaway basis. Such establishments must adhere to COVID-19-related operating protocols and display the capacity of the premises in a conspicuous place. The sale of alcohol is also permitted at supermarkets, minimarts, and gas stations.
Non-contact sports will be permitted. Gyms are approved to open subject to operating protocols and capacity limits. Special permission will be granted for one-on-one training sessions for contact sports.
Schools are to remain physically closed with only some special allowances.
Special permissions over the Christmas period: Authorities have encouraged shopping days in the private sector and public service to reduce long lines; slaughterhouses and butchers to remain open under strict protocols; banks and credit unions have been asked to increase operating hours and teller numbers to reduce the length of lines.

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. As of Dec. 14, the travel bubble includes Antigua and Barbuda, Anguilla, Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Montserrat, Saint Kitts and Nevis and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
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.