Barbados: Officials amend COVID-19-related curfew orders as of Jan. 4 /update 19

Event

As of Jan. 4, officials in Barbados have tightened the recently introduced curfew from 0001-0500 to 2100-0500. The curfew was initially introduced Dec. 31-Jan. 14 in response to local coronavirus disease (COVID-19) activity; the amended 2100-0500 curfew will remain in place until at least Jan. 9, with a possibility of an extension. Only essential services are permitted outside during the curfew hours. Fuel-related businesses and hotels may also operate. Under the previous curfew orders, restaurants were required to close one hour before the curfew started; similar requirements are likely for the duration of the current curfew. Officials have also banned all social gatherings, while commercial pleasure cruises and paid public parties or fetes remain prohibited.

Individuals must continue to adhere to physical-distancing protocols by maintaining at least 1 meter (3.2 feet) between each other. Authorities also require establishments to enforce strict physical distancing and sanitization protocols; additional industry-specific protocols are likely in place. All measures are subject to amendment at short notice.

International Travel Protocols
Authorities are also maintaining pandemic-related travel protocols based on the risk levels of any countries that a traveler has traveled or transited from within 21 days before their arrival in Barbados. Authorities regularly review the risk classifications of countries, and they are subject to amendment at short notice.

For entry into Barbados, all travelers must submit an online Immigration/Customs form 24 hours before travel. Except for persons arriving from low- and very low-risk countries, all travelers must present proof of a negative COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test result taken no more than 72 hours before arrival for entry permission. Travelers from low-risk countries may present a negative test taken up to five days before travel or take a test upon arrival. Any traveler who tests positive will enter an isolation facility. Visitors arriving from designated high-risk and medium-risk countries must take a second PCR test five days after their arrival. All travelers are required to wear facemasks at the airport. Health screenings and quarantine protocols vary for travelers, depending on the country of origin:

• High-Risk Countries: Travelers must arrive with negative test results and complete a period of so-called "restricted movement" at a government facility or approved private accommodation. This period will last until travelers test negative for COVID-19 a second time. The second test is administered five days after the first negative test. Completion time is typically 24 to 48 hours after the test arrives at the laboratory. Upon completion of the second test, the restricted movement period ends. Travelers will be subject to daily health monitoring for seven days. High-risk countries include the US, UK, Canada, and Mexico.

• Medium-Risk Countries: Travelers must arrive with negative test results and are subject to daily health monitoring for seven days. Travelers are required to take a second test five days after the first accepted negative test.

• Low-Risk Countries: Travelers are encouraged to arrive with negative test results. Those who fail to do so will be required to take a test upon arrival.

• Very Low-Risk Countries: Travelers will not be subject to any additional health screening and quarantine protocols.

As of Jan. 4, high- and medium-risk countries where stricter entry requirements are in place include Argentina, Bahamas, Belize, Brazil, Canada, Cayman Islands, Colombia, Costa Rica, Denmark, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Iceland, India, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Martinique, Mexico, Netherlands, Norway, Panama, Peru, Philippines, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Spain, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Suriname, Sweden, Switzerland, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkey, Turks and Caicos, United Kingdom, United States, US Virgin Islands, and Venezuela (all high-risk), as well as Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, New Zealand, and Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (all medium-risk).

Authorities could reimpose, extend, further ease, or otherwise amend any restrictions with little-to-no notice depending on disease activity over the coming weeks. The risk classification of all countries is also subject to change at short notice.

Advice

Strictly heed the instructions of authorities. Confirm appointments and travel arrangements. 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.

Resources

World Health Organization (WHO)
Grantley Adams International Airport
Government Travel Protocols and Country Risk
Pre-Arrival Travel Form