Antigua and Barbuda: Authorities extend COVID-19-related state of emergency through March 31 /update 12

Antigua and Barbuda to enforce COVID-19-related curfew measures and other restrictions until March 31. Entry requirements in place.

Event

Authorities in Antigua and Barbuda have extended the state of emergency declared in response to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic Dec. 31-March 31. Associated restrictions will continue, but are subject to amendments during this period. The nightly curfew will continue to be enforced 2300-0500 until further notice. Residents are not allowed outside their homes during curfew hours; emergency and critical services are exempt. Other previously announced measures are:

Individuals must wear a facemask in all public spaces.
Businesses must observe social distancing protocols by ensuring no less than 6 feet (2 meters) between individuals.
Industry-specific protocols are in place for various sectors, including restaurants, bars, clubs, casinos, gyms, personal grooming services, and hotels.
Spectator sports events and other formal gatherings are prohibited. Private parties are limited to 10 people only.
Weddings and funerals are permitted with no more than 25 people in attendance.
Limited beach visits are restricted to 0500-1900 daily and 0500-1300 on holidays.

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

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.