Barbados to Tighten Measures as UK Covid Variant Pops Up

Barbados is all set to enact new measures in a bid to stave off the spread of coronavirus on the island after cases of the new U.K. variant were detected.

According to Prime Minister Mia Mottley in a televised address to the nation this week, the country's borders will remain open, but a lockdown period from Feb. 3 to 17 includes an expanded national curfew from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. Mask wearing will be mandatory in public.

Visitors will be required to take a rapid antigen test upon arrival, quarantine for five nights at an approved hotel, villa or guesthouse and take a second PCR test during that time.

Once they test negative, they can move about, although attractions and excursions will be limited. Only supermarkets, gast stations and pharmacies will be open, with limited hours; shops, bars, restaurants and gyms will be closed. The beaches will be open but only for exercise or swimming.

Mottley said that the Caribbean Public Health Agency had confirmed that in 10 samples recently sent to the agency, three were positive with the U.K. variant.

These cases, along with a community spread of Covid-19, led to the prime minister's announcement that the country had to "act decisively."

Flight schedules are likely to be reduced, as well. Current entry regulations require visitors to apply through an online government portal at travelform.gov.bb and submit proof of a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of arrival. The new regulations from the CDC also require proof of a negative Covid test done within three days of departure for all travelers entering the U.S.

Source: Travel Weekly