Antigua and Barbuda: Proposal to allow entry to unvaccinated travellers put on hold

A proposal to allow unvaccinated visitors to enter Antigua and Barbuda with a negative rapid antigen or PCR test report was put on hold by the Cabinet o

Friday, 28th January 2022

Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda Gaston Browne

St John's: A proposal to allow unvaccinated visitors to enter Antigua and Barbuda with a negative rapid antigen or PCR test report was put on hold by the Cabinet on Thursday. The Antigua and Barbuda cabinet met virtually, for the third time since the New Year began. All government ministers were present at the virtual meet. Cabinet said that the Covid-19 pandemic challenged economies around the world and remained a primary item of discussion and decision-making for the Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda. The Cabinet will review the subject next week when it convenes, while all COVID-19 protocols remain in place. The proposal to allow unvaccinated visitors to enter Antigua and Barbuda with the benefit of a rapid antigen or PCR test was placed on hold until more data could be gathered. Cabinet added that the progression of the Omicron variant is being evaluated in the country. Quoting the World Health Organization (WHO), the Cabinet noted that the restrictions inhibit travel and make it more costly to travel, but does not make travel any less risky. The Cabinet also addressed the item of “sick leave” taken by Covid-19 infected workers who are compelled to quarantine or to remain isolated for periods of 10 to 14 calendar days, or even longer when they have fallen gravely ill or hospitalized. The Minister of Labour informed that the challenge to find a reasonable methodology is global, just as is the pandemic itself. Consequently, the recommendations of the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the Caribbean Congress of Labour will also be examined. Cabinet added that there must also be consultations with the national unions and employers to reach a reasonable settlement of the issues that will likely be taken to parliament. Besides this, the parliament will meet next week to discuss the budget 2022-2023.