Jamaica: Authorities announce new schedule of weekend and holiday COVID-19-related curfews through April 12 /update 23

Event

Authorities in Jamaica have announced a schedule of tightened weekend and holiday curfew measures through April 12, under the nation's ongoing COVID-19 response. Officials have also extended most existing domestic and international travel restrictions, including the travel ban on persons from the UK, through April 13.

The existing 20:00-05:00 will continue to be enforced on weekdays. All commercial establishments are to close by 12:00 on Fridays; only essential medical establishments, supermarkets, wholesalers, pharmacies, restaurants, and other food establishments may continue operating until the curfew takes effect. The weekend curfews will be enforced from 12:00 Saturdays until 05:00 Mondays. A special Easter holiday curfew will be enforced as follows:

• 20:00 April 1 through 05:00 April 3

• 12:00 April 3 through 05:00 April 6

• Non-essential commercial establishments are to close by 12:00 April 1

Other restrictions remain largely unchanged:

Domestic Measures
Until April 13, markets, public arcades, and public transport centers must close one hour before the curfew takes effect. Indoor cinemas, theaters, and other cultural centers are to stay closed. Bars, parks, zoos, and attractions must close by 18:00. Burials are subject to strict protocols and funerals remain banned. Weddings are allowed with up 25 people in attendance, though the limit will be reduced to 15 people April 6-13.

All other previously existing internal restrictions will remain in place until further notice. Persons aged 60 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. Public transport may start operating one hour before the curfew ends each morning and may continue until one hour after it begins each evening to facilitate passenger pick-up/drop-off. Taxis and other transport operators can carry one person fewer than that allowed under their license. Group gatherings are limited to a maximum of 10 people. Parties and other events remain banned.

Travel Restrictions
Officials have extended the ban on travel to and from the UK through April 13. The travel ban was imposed in December 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 the international traveler entry regime in place through at least June.

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 seven days before the planned departure, and must present a negative COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR), antigen, or other approved test taken up to 72 hours before travel. 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:

• 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, 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.

Resources

World Health Organization (WHO)
Jamaica Information Service
Traveler Authorization