COVID-19 UPDATE: No confirmed cases but testing continues

Even though there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Barbados at the moment, the Best-dos Santos Public Health Laboratory continues to test people on a daily basis.

The Ministry of Health and ‘Wellness has explained that those being tested for the viral illness include persons requiring surgical procedures, those being admitted into healthcare institutions and those with respiratory or other suspected COVID-19
symptoms.

Testing is also being carried out at the request on some work places as well as individuals with travel plans.

With the recommencement of scheduled commercial travel into the island from July 12, protocols have been put in place for people arriving into the country.

According to Minister of Tourism and International Transport, Kerrie Symmonds, everyone travelling to Barbados must be tested for COVID-19 at an accredited laboratory within 72 hours of departure, with the exception of those coming from within CARICOM, who are allowed up to one week before travel to get tested.

Once visitors receive a certificate asserting that they are COVID-19 negative,then they will be allowed into Barbados.

Passengers who arrive without being tested, the Tourism Minister said, will be tested at a site being set up for that purpose at the Concorde Experience facility next door to the airport. Satellite testing facilities will also be established at about four
hotels where visitors who prefer that option will be tested at their own expense.

Anyone who tests positive for COVID-19 will immediately be transported to the isolation facility at Harrison Point, St. Lucy.

The protocol also requires that all arriving passengers wear face masks and they will be subject to temperature checks on arrival.