Antigua and Barbuda makes COVID-19 vaccine mandatory

In strict action to tackle the COVID-19 crisis, the government of Antigua and Barbuda has announced that vaccination will be mandatory in the country.

Thursday, 16th September 2021

Antigua and Barbuda: In strict action to tackle the COVID-19 crisis, the government of Antigua and Barbuda has announced that vaccination will be mandatory in the country. With effect from September 20, 2021, Cabinet has agreed that all who are unvaccinated government and private sector employees which also includes the public service, statutory corporations and companies shall be required to remain at home until proof of vaccination is provided to the authorised authorities. The mandate will take effect from October 1, 2021. As of October 1, 2021, no public sector employee will be paid salary or wage for the period of non-compliance with the current policy. All officers and support staff of the Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force and Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda are now required to get vaccinated; this will also be mandatory from October 1, 2021. Vaccination is now mandatory for all students and teachers if they want to return to face-to-face classes. All care providers and support staff are now required to get fully vaccinated if they want to provide services and elderly care facilities in Antigua and Barbuda. Persons arriving in Antigua and Barbuda, including nationals and residents, are now required to be vaccinated at least with the first dose of the Covid 19 vaccine approved by the appropriate authorities to enter the country. All merchants, Wenders, and service providers, including staff operating at the ports of entry are required to get vaccinated. The vaccination mandate also included bus drivers, conductors and taxi drivers. Additional regulations The Cabinet decision of the Antigua and Barbuda government added that trade unions and employees associations shall be allowed to conduct educational awareness sessions in both virtual and face-to-face manner with all COVID-19 protocols being adhered to strictly. Beaches will be closed from 12 noon and 5 am daily from September 20, 2021. All pleasure craft parties, fetes and all other entertainment events around the coastal waters and offshore islands Will be suspended till September 29, 2021 with effect from September 18. Persons who exempted from the vaccine mandate Persons who submit a medical certificate approved by the Chief Medical Officer or Medical Board or a special request approved on religious grounds. And other authorized remote workers. All persons exempted under this policy must produce a negative COVID-19 test report twice monthly. Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre and Community Clinics are exempted under this policy following the overwhelming response.