As the Caribbean's tourism sector continues to expand post-pandemic, is medical assistance provision keeping up? Megan Gaen investigates. Idyllic islands, beautiful beaches, tropical paradise: all synonymous with the Caribbean. Healthcare and evacuation, not so much – though possibly crucial for visitors to the region. Seeing the inside of a local hospital is not usually on the itinerary for … [Read more...]
Jamaica Has Removed All Covid Testing Rules for Travelers
Jamaica has officially eliminated all pre-arrival testing rules for travelers. International visitors to Jamaica are no longer required to present a negative antigen or PCR test before their trip to the island. Additionally, Jamaica has ended its mandate to wear a mask in public places. “Eliminating mask mandates and the need for travelers to present a negative COVID test result are … [Read more...]
Aruba to scrap all COVID travel restrictions, including testing requirements and proof of vaccination
Two years after the onset of the pandemic, the Caribbean island of Aruba is doing away with its remaining COVID-19-related travel restrictions. Starting Saturday, Aruba will no longer require a negative coronavirus test or proof of vaccination for entry. Previously, tourists were allowed to enter only with a negative coronavirus test, proof of full vaccination or proof of … [Read more...]
CARPHA signs new partnership agreement with CROSQ to develop regional health standards in tourism
The Trinidad-based Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) has signed a new partnership agreement with Caricom Regional Organisation for Standards and Quality (CROSQ) that will seek to develop and implement Caribbean-wide health, safety and environmental sanitation (HSE) hospitality operational standards. In a statement, CARPHA said that the tourism operating environment, visitor health and … [Read more...]
Silver linings: Risk reduction center stage as Caribbean recovers
Cruise ships are steaming back to Caribbean ports, airlines are ramping up flights and the vaccine roll-out is underway but it could still be several years before countries recuperate from the pandemic that has rocked the region, say experts. Despite the deep scars left by the crisis, countries now have a fresh focus on health, resilience and regionalism plus a chance to fully incorporate … [Read more...]