Antigua and Barbuda: Authorities to enforce modified COVID-19-related 2000-0500 curfew and stricter restrictions through Feb. 19 /update 13

Event

As of Feb. 1, authorities in Antigua and Barbuda are enforcing stricter curfew measures and restrictions on businesses and nonessential activities through at least Feb. 19. The tightened measures are in response to an increase in the number of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases, and form part of the ongoing pandemic-related state of emergency in place until March 31.

The nightly curfew has been expanded from 2300-0500 to 2000-0500. Residents are not allowed outside their homes during curfew hours; emergency and critical services are exempt. During this period, bars are required to remain closed, while restaurants are only permitted to offer take-away service. Recreational football and basketball are now prohibited. Weddings and funerals are permitted with no more than 25 people in attendance; however, wakes, after-funeral gatherings, and wedding receptions are banned. 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.

• 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, 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