Is it safe to travel to the Caribbean? Latest coronavirus advice on cases and cruises
CARIBBEAN authorities are extending travel advice to US tourists and vacationers as the number of coronavirus cases continues to soar.
Officials are warning potential travelers of the rising risks, with cases rising fast in the US and parts of the Caribbean.
There are fears that as dengue and coronavirus have similar symptoms, such as high temperatures, health workers may not realize patients are suffering from the new disease.
Is it safe to travel to the Caribbean?
The Caribbean Public Health Agency has raised the risk level in the region from "moderate to high" to "very high" in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak.
Regional governments are focusing on preventative measures, such as mandatory quarantine procedures, or other restrictions for travelers arriving from China.
These restrictions have now expanded to travelers who have been to the US, Japan, South Korea, Iran, Italy, Iran and Singapore.
Additionally, all major cruise lines suspended operations earlier this month.
previously reported that the Caribbean, along with Brazil and the rest of Latin America are still dealing with epidemics like the dengue virus.
Vice-president of the Colombian Association of Infectious Diseases, Dr Alfonso Rodriguez-Morales, warned that as there is fever in both dengue and coronavirus cases, "this will make more complicated the differential diagnosis between the cases for the health care workers."
There have been about 400 coronavirus cases in the Caribbean, with at least 11 deaths.
What is the travel advice for the Caribbean?
The US Department of State’s said earlier this month that certain destinations have an increased risk category, from "low" to "moderate to high".
";The Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) has raised the risk level in the region from “low” to “moderate to high.”
"Regional governments continue to focus on preventative measures, including mandatory quarantine procedures or other restrictions for travelers arriving from China.
“In some countries, these restrictions have now expanded to travelers who have been to Japan, South Korea, Iran, Italy and Singapore"
Here are the latest requirements and travel/quarantine info for each affected island:
Antigua & Barbuda
Beginning today, the airport on Antigua was closed to all international flights originating in North America or Europe.
One case of COVID-19 has been recorded in the country.
The government announced a 30-day ban on all parties, festivals and similar social gatherings, according to the Guardian.
Foreign nationals who have traveled to and from China, Italy, Iran, Japan, Korea and Singapore in the last month will not be allowed in.
Barbados
There have been six cases of the virus.
Travelers arriving from countries with widespread local cases are being placed in a 14-day quarantine.
Moderate to high-risk individuals will be sent to mandatory quarantine and low-risk individuals sent to home quarantine.
The Government of Barbados has closed airports and heavily restricted sea ports.
The government has established a 24-hour information hotline which can be reached at 246-536-4500.
Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic has recorded 392 cases of the coronavirus so far, with 10 deaths.
It has closed all borders to visitors for two weeks, and travelers have been encouraged to leave as soon as possible.
There are restrictions on non-essential movement according to the Guardian, and cultural and sports activities have ceased.
No large gatherings are allowed.
Grenada
Grenada has instituted travel regulations barring foreigners whose travel had either originated in or transited through China, Japan, South Korea, Iran, Italy and Singapore in the last 14 days.
The Government of Grenada is conducting thermal screening at airports and sea ports, and if travelers are found to have higher-than-expected temperatures, they are pulled aside for further screening.
St. Lucia
Saint Lucia has reported two cases of COVID-19.
The country has begun restricting entry of any foreigners who have been in mainland China, Hong Kong, South Korea, Japan, Singapore and Italy during the past 14 days.
The government will quarantine any Saint Lucia nationals returning from or transiting through China for 14 days.
St. Kitts and Nevis
There has been no cases recorded, but on Wednesday night St. Kitts and Nevis has closed its borders until April 7.
Travelers from China, Italy, Iran, Hong Kong, Singapore, South Korea, Japan, The United Kingdom, France, Germany and Spain have been advised not to travel to St Kitts and Nevis.
If you do travel into the Federation from these countries, however, you will be subjected to a 14-day mandatory quarantine.
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St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG)
There has been one case reported.
No travel restrictions, but anyone arriving in the country who has traveled from or through China, Italy, or Iran in the past 14 days will be placed in a 14-day quarantine.
Persons showing symptoms will continue to be isolated and quarantined at the main hospital in Kingston.
The government has posted Environmental Health officials at the airport to monitor persons who appear to have symptoms.
