CTO News

Stakeholder COVID-19 Safety Training Sessions Commence on Nevis for “Travel Approved Seal”

The Nevis Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Tourism, in conjunction with the Nevis Tourism Authority, has begun conducting a series of Covid-19 safety protocol training sessions for all stakeholders on the island.  This is a crucial step in the overall preparation for reopening the island to international travelers.  Upon the successful completion of the seminars, stakeholders will be awarded the “St. Kitts and Nevis Travel Approved Seal”, a validation that the establishment is safe to visit.

The “Travel Approved Seal” is a program developed by the St. Kitts Tourism Authorities that will clearly identify the establishments and operators within the tourism industry who have undergone the required training to meet the minimum health and safety COVID-19 protocols.

The “Travel Approved Seal” training seminars are being offered to all Nevisian tourism stakeholders for two weeks starting July 27^th, 2020.  The sessions run twice daily, except Thursdays, from 8 am to 11:30 am and from 3:30 pm to 6:30 pm.  They are led by consultants under the direction of the Ministry and Health, the Ministry of Tourism and the Nevis Tourism Authority.

Training is mandatory and all stakeholders will be contacted in their respective sectors. This includes taxi operators, attractions, hotels, retail stores, tour operators (water and land based e.g. catamarans and ATV operators), watersports, vendors and beach bars.  Once the required training has been completed, the establishment will receive a physical and digital certification as a travel approved operation. Stakeholders who fail to meet the minimum standards to obtain the ‘Travel Approved Seal’ will not be allowed to operate and serve the public, and the Nevis Tourism Authority and its partners will not promote them in the source markets.

According to the CEO of the Nevis Tourism Authority, Jadine Yarde, “This mandatory training for all stakeholders on the island in health and safety protocols for Covid-19 is a very important step in our reopening process.  As we prepare to reopen, it sends a clear message that we care deeply about the health and safety of both our visitors and our residents.  The world as we knew it has been upended and everyone in the community must work together and remain vigilant in order to minimize any problems with Covid-19 once we begin receiving our international visitors”.

The global COVID-19 pandemic has negatively affected every aspect of the tourism industry, and significantly constrained economic development.  The “Travel Approved Seal” certification process is one initiative that moves all stakeholders closer to a phased reopening.  When the island is ready to accept travelers, they will have the assurance that every effort has been made to protect their health and they can enjoy their experiences in Nevis with confidence.

For travel and tourism information on Nevis please visit the Nevis Tourism Authority  website at  www.nevisisland.com; and follow us on Instagram (@nevisnaturally), Facebook (@nevisnaturally), YouTube (nevisnaturally) and Twitter (@Nevisnaturally).

Anguilla’s Executive Council Issues COVID-19 Update

Anguilla’s Executive Council met on July 24^th to consider matters relating to COVID-19 in Anguilla.   H.E. Governor Tim Foy and the Hon. Premier Dr. Ellis Webster released the following statement on July 25^th, 2020.

Cases/Suspected Cases – There are no active or suspected cases of COVID-19 in Anguilla.

Border Closure – As of July 31^st, the following categories or persons will be allowed to enter and leave Anguilla subject to approval:

• Medical emergencies and evacuations;
• Persons wishing to leave Anguilla;
• Repatriation of Anguillians from countries and territories with active cases of  less than 0.2% of the population, who must comply with all relevant protocols and quarantine rules;
• Visitors from countries and territories with active cases of less than 0.2% of the population, who must comply with all relevant protocols and quarantine rules.

Based on the current situation borders will remain closed for regular commercial passenger movements until at least October 31^st.

Repatriation – Based on the rapidly evolving COVID-19 situation globally, particularly the significant increase in cases in the Americas, Executive Council has extended the suspension of repatriations from countries and territories with an active case prevalence of more than 0.2%.  This suspension is effective immediately and will remain in place until August 7^th at the earliest.

Playing Your Part – The steps we have all been taking are helping to keep us safe. No active cases does not mean we should stop hygienic practices or respiratory etiquette. So once again we urge all Anguillians to take the simple steps that save lives:

• Wash your hands frequently
• Cover coughs and sneezes with a disposable tissue, or in the crook of a flexed elbow
• Frequently clean and disinfect shared spaces and work surfaces, and
• Avoid contact with persons suffering from or exhibiting symptoms of acute respiratory infections such as the flu, coughs and colds

The Ministry of Health has established two COVID_19 hotlines: 1-264-476-7627 (476-SOAP) and 1-264-584- 4263 (584-HAND).  The most recent guidance and information can be accessed at www.beatcovid19.ai .

For information on Anguilla, please visit the official website of the Anguilla Tourist Board: www.IvisitAnguilla.com; follow us on Facebook: Facebook.com/AnguillaOfficial; Instagram: @Anguilla_Tourism; Twitter: @Anguilla_Trsm, Hashtag: #MyAnguilla.

Bahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviation Statement on Border Closure to the US

NASSAU, Bahamas, July 19, 2020 – Due to the continued increase in COVID-19 cases in the United States, as well as an uptick in cases in The Bahamas, Prime Minister, The Most Hon. Dr. Hubert Minnis, has made the difficult decision to close borders to international commercial flights and commercial vessels carrying passengers from the United States. The order is effective as of Wednesday, July 22 at midnight. In addition, Bahamasair will cease outgoing flights to the United States, effective immediately.

Outgoing flights will be permitted to accommodate any current visitors scheduled to return to the United States after Wednesday, July 22.

Private flights and charters from the United States, as well as pleasure craft and yachts will be permitted, and travellers from Canada, the United Kingdom and the European Union are exempt from the emergency order. All visitors are required to present a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR test from a referenced lab, taken no more than 10 days prior to the date of travel.

Since opening borders to international travel on July 1, The Bahamas has unfortunately experienced a deterioration in conditions relative to COVID-19. These restrictions have been put in place to protect the health and wellbeing of both residents and visitors, which remains of primary importance, and to prevent the spread of the virus throughout The Bahamas.

The Bahamas is reviewing and being guided by the most effective practices from around the world. Reopening of borders will continue to be monitored and guided by The Bahamas government and health officials, based on COVID-19 trends.