Jamaica: Authorities extend nationwide coronavirus disease-related curfew through March 1 /update 19

Event

Prime Minister Andre Holness has announced that the existing nationwide 2200-0500 curfew will be extended from Jan. 31 until at least 0500 March 1 as part of ongoing efforts to curb the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). As before, public transport will start operating one hour before the curfew ends each morning and continue until one hour after it begins each evening to facilitate passenger pick-up/drop-off.

A stricter curfew and other enhanced measures are being enforced in Manchester Parish through Feb. 8 due to a spike in confirmed cases. In this area, the curfew will be enforced nightly 1900-0500; public gatherings are to be limited to no more than 10 people; markets, vending in public arcades, and public transport may only operate between 0600-1800.

At the national level, all previously existing internal restrictions will also remain in place mostly unchanged, albeit with some easing of restrictions on funerals, which will now be allowed with up to 10 people in attendance, and an additional five clergy members, under the new orders. Persons aged 65 and over are urged to self-isolate. Individuals must continue to maintain at least 1.8 meters (6 feet) between each other and must wear a facemask in public spaces. Taxis and other transport operators can carry one person fewer than that allowed under their license. Public gatherings are limited to a maximum of 15 people. Parties and other events remain banned; however, burials, funerals, and church services may continue under the 15 person limit.

Travel Restrictions
Authorities in Jamaica will maintain the current international traveler entry regime through at least April, while the ban on travel to and from the UK has been extended through Feb. 28. The travel ban was imposed Dec. 23, 2020 in response to the spread of a new strain of COVID-19 in the UK. The order applies to all non-Jamaicans who have been in the UK within the last 14 days before the intended arrival in Jamaica. Jamaican nationals who have been in the UK 14 days prior to arrival will be tested at the airport and placed in a state quarantine facility for a minimum of 48 hours. Persons who test negative will complete the remainder of their 14-day quarantine at home, while those who test positive will be placed in a state isolation facility until they have recovered. The measures are in addition to other COVID-19-related travel protocols and internal measures that will remain in place through April.

Except for travel from the UK, all ports of entry are open to nonresident foreign travelers, citizens, and legal citizens, and all arriving passengers will be subject to strict health screenings and assessments. All travelers require authorization prior to travel, requested up to five days before planned departure. In most cases, arriving passengers will be required to complete a 14-day self-quarantine but will be permitted to leave their home once a day to go to the closest location to obtain food, medical supplies, or medical services and conduct financial transactions. Other entry and quarantine requirements for travelers are:

• Travel from high-risk locations: All nonresident foreign travelers over the age of 12 arriving from the US, Brazil, Dominican Republic, Panama, and Mexico must present a negative COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or antigen test upon arrival; the test must be taken no more than 10 days before travel from an accredited laboratory. All travelers from these locations are required to self-quarantine for 14 days, regardless of a negative COVID-19 test result.

• Citizens and legal residents: Travelers are required to self-quarantine for 14 days upon arrival, regardless of a negative COVID-19 test result.

• Nonresident business travelers: Travelers will be tested for COVID-19 upon arrival and must self-quarantine for 14 days, or until a negative test result is confirmed, if the stay is shorter than 14 days.

• Nonresidents staying in the Resilient Corridor: Travelers for tourism purposes may leave their hotel room and resort, provided they remain in the Resilient Corridor. This area includes the northern coast from Negril, Westmoreland, to Port Antonio, Portland, as well as the southern coast from Milk River, Clarendon, to Negril.

• Nonresidents staying outside the Resilient Corridor: Travelers for all non-business purposes are required to self-quarantine for 14 days, regardless of a negative COVID-19 test result.

All travelers assessed to be high risk may be subject to additional health tests at the airport. Travelers with a positive COVID-19 test result will be required to isolate at home or an approved government facility for 14 days.

Authorities could further tighten, 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. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance.

Emphasize basic health precautions, especially frequent hand-washing 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.

Resources

World Health Organization (WHO)
Jamaica Information Service
Traveler Authorization