Barbados: Officials launch reopening plan and extend COVID-19-related curfew through March 14 /update 24

Event

As of March 1, officials in Barbados have begun their gradual reopening plan under the COVID-19 response; however, the existing 1900-0600 curfew will continue until at least March 14. Residents are not allowed to leave their homes during the curfew, except for authorized personnel. Effective March 1, several nonessential businesses that were previously ordered to close, may reopen including in the food, manufacturing, cleaning, professional services, construction, delivery services, and financial sectors, subject to health protocols.

Other restrictions on recreational activities will, however, remain in place and include:

• All social gatherings and events are banned.

• Outdoor gatherings are limited to a maximum of five people per group (or eight people from the same household).

• Beaches and public parks will be opened 0600-0900 and 1500-1800 daily, for exercise only.

• The wearing of a facemask remains mandatory in all public spaces.

Individuals must continue to adhere to physical distancing protocols by maintaining at least 1 meter (3.3 feet) between each other. Authorities also require establishments to enforce strict physical distancing and sanitization protocols; additional industry-specific protocols are likely in place.

International Travel Protocols
International travel is continuing. Standard travel protocols are being applied to all travelers, regardless of the country departure point. All travelers are required to wear facemasks at the airport. Entry requirements are:

• Authorities require all persons intending to enter Barbados to present a negative COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test result taken no more than 72 hours before arrival.

• For entry into Barbados, all travelers must submit an online Immigration/Customs form 24 hours before travel, available online or on the BIMSafe mobile application.

• All arrivals are required to take a rapid antigen test on arrival. Travelers who test negative are required to complete a mandatory five-day quarantine at a government-authorized quarantine center before another PCR test is administered to confirm if the traveler is safe to exit the quarantine. Travelers will be required to wear a tracking bracelet during the quarantine period.

• Any traveler who tests positive will enter an isolation facility.

Authorities could amend any domestic restrictions or entry requirements 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.

Resources

World Health Organization (WHO)
Government Travel Protocols
Permitted Businesses March 1-14
Pre-Arrival Travel Form