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Published on : Tuesday, June 9, 2020
Many countries in the region are still experiencing the hardships of COVID-19 including complete economy damage of the affected islands.
Antigua and Barbuda this week has reopened its borders to foreign travelers. They are the first in a string of Caribbean countries keen on restarting the most important sector of the region.
Here, we would look at some of the islands which are welcoming back tourists and the plans they have outlined to do so safely.
Antigua and Barbuda
The Caribbean Media Corporation on last Monday has reported that the twin-island nation of Antigua and Barbuda has finally reopened the VC Bird International Airport.
The Antigua and Barbuda Airport Authority has explained that it will be “restricting traffic through the terminal to travellers and airport staff and that they will all be subject to the agreed protocols, which include all passengers being required to wear masks during the arrival and departure process”.
The Airport Authority under its terms for reopening has requested all arriving passengers to fill up a health declaration form. Port health authorities will carry on health checkups. All airport staffs in Antigua and Barbuda, interacting with the travelling passengers must wear personal protective equipment in accordance with standard health protocols, as part of the reopening measures, the report said.
Aruba
Between 15 June and 1 July, 2020, the government of Aruba has plans to reopen the island to tourists, as per the Aruba Airport Authority.
Bahamas
This week, Bahamas Minister of Tourism, Dionisio D’Aguilar has declared that the country will reopen its tourism industry from 15 June.
The full opening of Bahamas’ borders is projected for 1 July.
Bermuda
In the summer 2020, this British Overseas Territory is all set to reopen its doors to tourists, even though we are yet to get a definitive date on this regard.
The leaders of the country have indicated that, as Bermuda moves through its phased plan for reopening, it will be implementing more and more COVID-19 testing capacity and medical technology investing.
British Virgin Islands
In the British Virgin Islands, plans are in the progress to reopen borders in June 2020. This week, limited opening of BVI’s borders began to allow returning nationals, permanent residents, work-permit holders and naturalised citizens into the island.
BVI’s Health Minister and Deputy Premier, Carvin Malone has mentioned that the process of border-reopening must be done cautiously to stop a resurgence of the virus, according to The Virgin Islands Daily News.