24-hour lockdown in St Kitts for two weeks, borders to remain open

The government of St Kitts and Nevis imposed a 24-hour lockdown, while the state of emergency will also be extended. Prime Minister Dr Timothy Harris stated that the new lockdown begins on Sunday, July 1.

PM stated that the lockdown is exclusive for St Kitts while the normal operations can continue in Nevis. Besides this, he also announced that the borders would remain open during the 24-hour lockdown for returning nationals and travellers.

"The 24-hour lockdown is restricted to St. Kitts and makes part of new definitive rules for the period June 27 to July 11, to control the community spread of COVID-19." stated Prime Minister Dr Timothy Harris.

Attorney General Vincent Byron Jr, stated the decision to have the borders open is based on the sustained success of the corridor of containment for incoming travellers placed in October 2020.

AG stated that all port authority and health workers are fully-equipped and well-trained to handle the COVID-19 situation. He said that the authorities at the respective ports whether sea or airport would direct the passengers regarding the protocols and new restrictions. AG noted that the ferry moving from St Kitts to Neivs is also functioning by keeping full COVID-19 protocols in mind.

The laboratories will also remain open for these two weeks to facilitate RT-PCR testing requirements of the general public. Outgoing passengers are also advised to inform their nearest police station before leaving for the RL Bradshaw International Airport and documentation must be maintained at check-points even before leaving the country.

As per the health officials there are 313 active COVID-19 cases in St Kitts and Nevis, while no new cases were recorded in last 24-hours. The country have also recorded 3 COVID-19 related deaths in last two weeks.

The newst COVID-19 clusters started to appear in May, and there were no virus-related deaths recorded in the country in 2020.