Saint Lucia: Authorities ease COVID-19-related business restrictions from Feb. 17 /update 23

Event

Effective Feb. 17, authorities in Saint Lucia have relaxed some domestic restrictions in place as part of the state of emergency issued Feb. 3, in response to a significant increase in COVID-19 cases during that period. The revised and existing measures will remain in place through at least March 16.

Under the revised measures, nonessential businesses previously ordered to close may reopen subject to established protocols. Restaurants and other food establishments may only offer takeaway services. Faith-based organizations may hold regular services; special rites are capped at 25 people. Indoor and outdoor training and gym workouts are now permitted. Farmers and fishers are now classified as essential.

Existing state of emergency measures that have not been revised include the 1900-0500 nightly curfew. Residents may not leave their homes during curfew hours, except for critical and essential work purposes. A ban on the sale of alcohol will remain in place through Feb. 24. Long-standing requirements for individuals to adhere to directives on social distancing, enhanced sanitization, and wearing facemasks in public spaces are likely to remain in place until further notice. All social gatherings are banned.

International Travel
International entry restrictions remain in effect. Regardless of country origin, all travelers aged five and over arriving by sea or air are required to produce proof of having tested negative for COVID-19 using a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test, taken within five 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 Feb. 17, the travel bubble includes Antigua and Barbuda, Anguilla, 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.

Resources

World Health Organization (WHO)
Saint Lucia Entry Requirements
Saint Lucia Travel Registration Form