ROSEAU, Dominica – The Dominica government has named four Caribbean islands whose nationals will not be required to go into quarantine as it also announced that there will be no mandatory quarantine for fully vaccinated travelers to the island who have been medically cleared.
Dr. Irvine McIntyreHealth Minister, Dr. Irvine McIntyre, said that the new measures would come into effect from Wednesday.
“I take this opportunity to announce our low-risk countries as follows. Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Grenada and the British Virgin islands. All travelers from low-risk countries will not require mandatory quarantine. Travellers will receive and Antigen test on arrival and medically cleared if the test is negative,” Dr. McIntyre added.
In a radio and television broadcast on Monday night, the Health Minister said that it was important for the entire country to be vaccinated, noting that “99.5 per cent of all COVID-19 related deaths over the past six months has been in unvaccinated individuals.
“Getting vaccinated is our defense against COVID-19 and our key to re-opening our economy and also regaining and growing our livelihoods. It is important to show public concern and continue to adhere to the basic protocols …since we know the COVID-19 pandemic is not over and remains an ongoing threat.
“We are also appealing to all travelers to adhere to the protocols. It is because of these protocols that we have been able to keep our numbers down and our people safe,” said Dr. McIntyre, outlining the new changes in the travel protocols.
He told the nation that there will be compulsory requirements for all fully vaccinated travelers even before arriving here.
“All travelers shall submit a health questionnaire on line at least 24 hours prior to arrival in Dominica. Upload a PCR test result from swab taken 24 hours to 72 hours prior to arrival. Upload vaccination certificate, pay for an Antigen test on line which is EC$100 (One EC dollar=US$0. 37 cents).
In addition, Dr. McIntyre said that travelers must present to airlines before boarding a negative PCR test and also notification of health clearance to travel.
He said on disembarkation, the travelers will follow the standard health and sanitization protocols as well as a notification of a health clearance to travel to Dominica, negative PCR test results, vaccination certificate as well as having a test done on arrival.
Dominica has registered 194 cases of the virus since March last year with 191 having recovered. It has reported no deaths linked to the virus.
