23 Dec 2020 | 09:44 AM UTC
Trinidad and Tobago: Authorities tighten COVID-19-related quarantine requirements for travelers from the UK as of Dec. 23 /update 17
Trinidad and Tobago tighten COVID-19-related quarantine requirements for UK travelers as of Dec. 23. Borders remain mostly closed.
Event
As of Dec. 23, authorities in Trinidad and Tobago have tightened quarantine protocols for authorized travelers from the UK due to a variant strain of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in that country. The new requirements only affect returning citizens and legal residents, including students, and cruise ship employees who apply for an exemption, as the nation's air and sea ports remain closed to all other travelers. International and regional flights and cargo vessels transporting food, pharmaceuticals, and cargo are permitted entry; however, unauthorized crews are not permitted to disembark vessels.
Returning nationals and authorized residents are required to present a negative COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) recorded less than 72 hours before arrival. Upon arrival, travelers who have been in the UK 14 days before arrival must complete a 14-day quarantine at a state or state-supervised quarantine facility. All other passengers will be placed in a state or state-supervised quarantine facility for seven days; they will be tested on the sixth day and released once this test is negative.
Domestic Measures
Although most nonessential commercial and recreational activity has been allowed to resume, previously established operating protocols and capacity limits are likely to continue to be enforced until further notice. As of Dec. 23, authorities have not announced any changes to the following pandemic-related operating requirements:
Supermarkets, grocery stores, and other food supply outlets are allowed to operate on a 24-hour basis until Jan. 3
Restaurants may offer in-house dining at 50-percent capacity with seating in groups of no more than 10 people; however, alcohol may not be sold.
Cinemas and gyms may operate at 50-percent capacity.
Casinos and members clubs may reopen at 50-percent capacity; the sale of food is allowed at casinos, but not at members clubs.
Services at places of worship can be extended to 90 minutes each at 50-percent capacity.
Sports teams engaged in national and international competitions may resume full activity.
All beaches and coastal waters are opened to the public 0600-1800. Rivers and ponds remain closed.
Teaching institutions will remain closed. Schools may reopen for virtual learning from Jan. 4.
Water parks are to remain closed, and contact sports are suspended.
Maxi-taxis and taxis may operate at 65-percent capacity.
Gatherings of no more than 10 people are allowed. Funerals may have up to 20 people in attendance.
The use of a facemask is mandatory for all individuals in public spaces.
All restrictions are subject to amendment at short notice.
Context
Officials in Trinidad and Tobago initiated a phased approach to reopening the country in May to allow some economic recovery; however, some of the recovery efforts were previously rolled back due to higher confirmed case numbers. The reopening of borders is only slated to be considered in the final stage of recovery. Should the number of COVID-19 cases significantly increase, relaxed restrictions may be reapplied. Likewise, a continued low number of cases may result in a relaxation of restrictions.
Advice
Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements and business appointments. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance.
Emphasize basic health precautions, especially frequent handwashing 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.
