Cabinet approves changes to mask mandate and travel protocols

Acting Prime Minister Santia Bradshaw has disclosed that the Cabinet of Barbados met today and approved a number of fundamental changes to the COVID-19 directives that have governed the management of the pandemic since early 2021.

She said effective Friday, September 23, 2022 the following would obtain:

“The wearing of masks generally will now be optional. However, mask-wearing remains mandatory for persons in nursing homes, private hospitals and senior citizens homes; persons in healthcare institutions including staff, visitors, clients and patients. All institutions where medical and dental services are provided. Persons in prison including staff, prisoners and visitors. Staff and students at all educational institutions. All nurseries and daycare facilities for both children and adults and of course persons who have COVID-19 as well as persons who are travelling on public transportation.

“Conscious of the direction in which the rest of the world is going, effective tomorrow (Friday, September 23, 2022), we will also discontinue all COVID-19 related travel protocols for Barbados. This means that we will be joining 95 per cent of the countries in the Western Hemisphere [that] preceded Barbados in going in that direction. There will therefore be no testing requirements for entering Barbados whether you are vaccinated or unvaccinated.”