No exemptions to Covid-19 protocols – Taskforce

No exemptions will be granted to anyone travelling to St Vincent and the Grenadines in terms of the requirement to arrive with a negative PCR result or that they spend five days in mandatory quarantine at an approved hotel, where it is required.

This was made clear by the Health Services Subcommittee of the National Emergency Committee/Coronavirus Taskforce in a statement issued on Wednesday, October 21.

The release said the taskforce has noted “a disturbing and increasing trend of travelers to St Vincent and the Grenadines, requesting exemptions from presenting the required negative PCR result and/or quarantining in a Tourism Authority/MOHWE approved hotel for five days, as indicated.

“It has also been noted that some local individuals are colluding with these travelers to aid their intentions of not complying with the existing protocols.”

The taskforce also reminded the public that the strict compliance with the protocols for travelers to St Vincent and the Grenadines has served this country well so far.

“There is no evidence of local or community spread of COVICD-19. Early detection and isolation of positive cases have prevented infection of other persons locally. These capacities are particularly vital in view of the rapidly rising numbers of infections in the USA, UK, Canada and our regional neighbors,” the release said.

The Health Services Subcommittee advised that “no exemptions will be granted in terms of the requirement to arrive with a negative PCR result, no older than five days, where required. Additionally, no exemptions will be granted to the five-day mandatory quarantine in a TA/MOHWE approved hotel.

“Travelers from high-risk countries will not be allowed to quarantine in their homes. The typical quarantine period of 14 days will be enforced. Any breaches of the Quarantine Orders as issued will be referred for prosecution. Any unauthorized deviation from these protocols puts all Vincentians at risk.”