February 8, 2021
COMMUNITY TRANSMISSION/SPREAD CONFIRMED IN SVG
As the number of COVID-19 confirmed cases continue to increase in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, the Minister of Health, and the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) have declared that there is community transmission of the COVID-19 virus in SVG.
It was concluded that bulk of the spread is related to indoor private and public places of mass gatherings, places of dining, inside shops/bars/nightclubs and in minibuses.
On Feb 6th SVG recorded its 4th death due to COVID-19. All positive cases will remain isolated until cleared. All close contacts of positive cases currently in quarantine should contact the flu clinic in their district to arrange testing for clearance.
FACE MASKS ARE MANDATORY IN SVG
Since the declaration of community spread COVID-19, the Ministry of Health and the National Emergency Management Organization has released several statements regarding the use of face mask and penalties for breaches.
- The public is advised that the use of face masks in public spaces and private spaces to which the public has access is now mandatory under the Public Health Act 2020.
- Public transportation vehicles may only transport one half of the persons the vehicle is licensed to carry.
- The wearing of face mask is now mandatory in public service vehicles.
FINE FOR BREAKING MASK LAW
The law mandating the wearing of face masks in certain places in SVG came into effect on Saturday 6th Feb 2021 with the publication of Statutory Rule and Order No. 4 of 2021.
- The legislation will remain in effect for one month.
- There is EC $100 ticket for persons who are found to be in violation.
- There is EC $500 ticket on persons who violate the mass gathering limitations.
- This includes owners of restaurants with indoor dining, bars, nightclubs, or place of entertainment who have allowed more than 10 persons indoors.
- Drivers of vehicles who transport more than 50% of the licensed number of passengers allowed will also be fined.
UPDATED TRAVEL PROTOCOL FOR ENTRY TO ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES
All persons visiting or returning to St. Vincent are asked to please note the following updates to the COVID-19 Travel protocols commencing February 8th 2021.
- All travellers must arrive with a negative PCR result done within 72 hours/3 days of travel.
- A new “very high risk” category has been introduced with South Africa and Brazil moved from “high risk.” Travellers from these countries MUST quarantine for 21 days in Ministry of Health/SVG Tourism Authority approved accommodation. Resort specific bubble protocol does not apply to travellers from these two countries; they must comply with general protocol.
- Cuba and British Virgin Islands have been moved from the “medium risk” to “high risk” category.
- Grenada has been moved from the “high risk” to the “medium risk” category.
Direct link to the full travel protocol is given below:
http://www.svg-airport.com/blog/information-on-covid-19/
