Visitors feel safe but want masks gone

Although admitting that the COVID-19 measures in Barbados make them feel safe while on vacation here, several visitors believe it is time to end the mandatory wearing of face masks.

Some of them spoke with Barbados TODAY about their views on the existing protocols, including the requirement of a negative COVID-19 test on arrival; and the mask mandate, breach of which now attracts a $100 fixed penalty.

Sherona Knight, from London, said the fine for not wearing a mask in a public building, public place, or while travelling on a public service vehicle or other public transport, appeared to be just a way for the country to bring in money.

“It was never a problem for people to wear masks outside; it was for people wearing masks inside, so there is no need to [fine people]. The fact they are fining people for not wearing masks outside just sounds like it’s a money oriented thing,” she contended.

Knight, who visited Barbados on vacation with her mother, said she has contracted COVID-19 twice, is unvaccinated but does not plan to be jabbed, and insisted people should adjust to the new normal.

“I feel safe in Barbados. I think, you know, it’s just like any other place with COVID. Like I’ve said, I’ve had COVID twice and it’s not a nice virus but I’ve been able to navigate myself in terms of how I look after myself. There are many more things happening that are worse than COVID-19,” she added.

Swiss visitor Markin Stueer said the strict protocols made him feel safe on the island.

“The COVID-19 protocols are harder than in Switzerland, but I like it here better because when you go into a shop you have to wash and sanitise your hands and people here make sure you do it, but back home they don’t. I think this is really good,” he said.

An Irishman, who gave his name only as Barry, said the measures implemented are reasonable, adding that the handling of passengers had significantly improved.

Saying that earlier procedures for air passengers were onerous and often dangerous, he said: “They crammed you into a bus, put you across the airport tarmac and then they put you into a hall and queued you for hours and it was about as bad as it can get.”

The process now, he said, is much faster, and he admitted he still feels safe.

However, with other countries, including those in the region, eliminating mandatory mask wearing in public places, Barry believes Barbados should do the same.

“They are only probably [losing] their tourist business by forcing tourists to have COVID certificates and tests which might be a deterrent to people coming here,” he said.

His business partner, Ian, said he also feels safe in Barbados but also encouraged the Government to reconsider its mask

mandate and harsh restrictions. (MR)