Updated Protocol for the Repatriation of Vincentian Crewpersons

COVID-19 TASK FORCE 

PROTOCOL FOR THE REPATRIATION OF VINCENTIAN CREWPERSONS

(Updated 13/05/2020) 

AIM: The safe repatriation of Vincentian nationals in a manner that reduces the risk of the importation and subsequent transmission of COVID-19 in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

OBJECTIVES:

1. Establish the nationality of the returning individual.
2. Establish the status of exposure of the returning individual to COVID-19.
3. Establish the appropriateness of the site of quarantine.

CONDITIONS AND INFORMATION REQUIRED FOR THE REPATRIATION OF VINCENTIAN CREWPERSONS:

1. Total number of persons to be repatriated
2. Mode of arrival (boat, plane)
3. Full name, date of birth, passport number, contact number and address in departing country.
4. Certificate of Health issued by the National Health Authority of the country of departure including:  a. details of person’s current health status, b. their exposure to any COVID-19 positive or suspected cases, c. any objective screening for COVID-19 (name, date and facility).
5. Address of the proposed site of 14-21 days of quarantine.(Hotel/Private Home/Rented Apartment)
6. Contact number of person residing where the person proposes to stay in SVG or who can facilitate the inspection of the proposed quarantine site. (Hotel/Private Home/Rented Apartment)
7. Commitment of repatriating company or individual to pay for the accommodation (including room and meals) of those persons without an appropriate quarantine site. (Hotel/Rented Apartment)
8. The repatriating company to secure an alternate site approved by the Ministry of Health, Wellness and the Environment. (Hotel/Rented Apartment)
9. The repatriating company to provide security if necessary at an approved alternate site.

PROCESS ON ARRIVAL: 

1. Disembarking Protocol (by sea): 

a. If crewmembers are to quarantine in their private homes, the Cruise Medical Team must conduct COVID-19 tests on all disembarking crewmembers prior to permission being granted to disembark. 

i. All crew members with positive COVID-19 results must be quarantined/isolated at a government approved facility at the cost of the repatriating company

ii. Crew members with positive rapid tests will have PCR tests five (5) days after disembarking.

b. Vessel will berth at the Cruise Ship Terminal Kingstown

c. Disembarkment will be in groups of 10 (or more if possible)

d. Hand hygiene will be enforced

e. Photo identification is required for ALL seamen.

f. Area for screening will be sanitized after each group is screened

g. Screening will include probing for symptoms and temperature check

h. Persons going to government facility will be boarded on agreed transport to await departure.

2. Disembarking Protocol (by air): 

a. If crewmembers are to quarantine in their private homes in SVG, the Cruise Medical Team must conduct COVID-19 tests on all crewmembers prior to boarding any flight with SVG as the final destination.

b. All passengers will be screened before entering the arrivals area

c. Screening will include probing for symptoms and temperature check

d. Persons with adequate home facilities for quarantine will allowed to leave.

e. Persons going to government facility will be boarded on agreed transport to await departure.

REQUIREMENTS OF DISCHARGE FROM QUARANTINE: 

1. Objective measures: a.Negative Rapid Antibody Test or b. Negative PCR Test and c. Absence of signs and symptoms of COVID-19.
2. No known exposure to a known COVID-19 positive person.
3. Completion of the appropriate quarantine period. The determination of the place of quarantine will be made by the Ministry of Health, Wellness and the Environment and will be based on the appropriateness of the site and the feasibility of simultaneous monitoring of a large number of persons.

Prepared and approved by the Health Services Subcommittee of the National Emergency Committee/COVID-19 Task Force, Ministry of Health, Wellness and the Environment. May 13, 2020.