Rapid tests approved for incoming travellers – BTMI

The Ministry of Health and Wellness has proposed new COVID-19 entry protocols that allow arriving passengers to present a rapid antigen test taken within one day of travel.

It is the first time such tests will be accepted at the borders and follows fervent pleas from tourism stakeholders for improvements to the system of entry under the pandemic protocols.

“Travellers are permitted to travel to Barbados with a valid negative Rapid COVID-19 PCR test OR Rapid Antigen test result done within one day prior to arrival in Barbados OR a negative RT-PCR COVID-19 test result done within 3 days prior to arrival,” said a statement released by the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc.

According to the statement, the accepted tests, must be taken at an accredited or recognised laboratory by a healthcare provider include nasopharyngeal, oropharyngeal, nasal, anterior nares, and mid-turbinate samples as well as LAMP tests.

“Self-administered tests or home kits and tests using saliva samples will NOT be accepted,” the correspondence added.

The changes have emerged two weeks after the Barbados Hotel and Tourism Association (BHTA) called for the acceptance of Rapid Antigen tests at the borders.

At the time, BHTA Chairman Renee Coppin chided airport officials over an apparent lack of clarity and transparency regarding the systems which govern the entry of airline passengers.

In response, Minister of Tourism and International Transport Senator Lisa Cummins promised to engage public health officials and tourism stakeholders “within the shortest time”.

In recent weeks Government has significantly eased COVID-19 restrictions and there’s high anticipation that authorities could announce a further relaxation of measures over the weekend which could also inclue a decision on the hosting of the Crop Over festival this year. (KS)