St Kitts and Nevis: Federal Cabinet approves three changes in COVID protocols

Bessessatre, St Kitts and Nevis: The Federal Cabinet of St Kitts and Nevis has approved the three changes in the protocols related to the viral infection of the novel coronavirus, also known as the Health and travel protocols for the incoming travellers.

The announcement was made by the Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Dr Hazel Laws, during the NEOC COVID-19 Press Briefing commenced at the NEMA Conference Room on Wednesday, March 2, 2022. 

The protocols came into effect on March 1, 2022. 

Outlining various changes in the Health-related protocols, CMO Dr Laws stated:

• First Change: People who received the vaccine against the novel coronavirus such as Abdala, Soberana 2, Soberana Plus, Medigen and Sputnik V have not need to undergo the measure called quarantine.
• Moreover, the individuals who are coming from Cuba or Taiwan or coming in with any of three vaccines available in Cuba or the Medigen vaccine that is available in Taiwan or the Sputnik V vaccine are allowed to enter St Kitts and Nevis without going through prior quarantine protocol.

• Second Change: The unvaccinated people who want to come to St Kitts and Nevis now have to follow the isolation period of seven days as previously they would have had to isolate themselves for nine days at a government-approved isolation facility or home with paid security. They could complete their quarantine at home without the paid security facility.

• Third Change: Individuals who have left the Federation and travel to neighbouring islands for less than 24 hours are permitted to return by completing the entry form. They need to show the negative report of the COVID-19 test done before their departure.
• So, if anyone is going to St Martin and an antigen test is required to go there, that person could upload the negative report of the test on the platform and can get the approval to return on that test. Although, travellers need to process the COVID-19 tests after their arrival back into St Kitts and Nevis at RLB or Vance Amory Airport.

Dr Laws further asserted that the travellers who leave on short trips could be flagged for a 24-hour quarantine period until the negative test of the COVID-19 is returned. 

Further, various other protocols of Health and travel will not be changed as all incoming travellers must be immunised, and all inbound passengers into the Federation of St Kitts and Nevis will be required to complete and submit the Customs, Border and Health Netry Form.