BASSETERRE – The St Kitts-Nevis government says the borders will remain closed even as it announced a relaxation of the various measures that had been put in place to curb the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) since March.
“Our borders remain closed to international commercial flights and visitors so as to prevent and/or delay the possibility of importing new cases of COVID-19, “ newly re-elected Prime Minister Dr Timothy Harris said in a radio and television broadcast.
He said a coordinated effort is being made with regional and international partners as to the opportune time to open our borders “but until such a decision is arrived at, our borders remain closed and the established protocols must be followed.
“We continue to act with caution with respect to our borders, as we have seen in some countries that there has been a spike in confirmed cases of COVID-19 when restrictions were lifted,” he said.
The twin island Federation has reported 15 positive cases of the virus that was first detected in China last December and linked to 417 000 deaths and the infection of nearly seven million people worldwide.
Harris, whose new Cabinet will be sworn into office on Sunday, told the nation that he was glad for the “impressive victory” of his Team Unity coalition government that will pilot the ship of state for another five years.
“Of course, we are still faced with the COVID-19 pandemic, and our all-of-society response to COVID-19 must therefore continue if we are to manage this global health crisis effectively,” he said.
The coalition won nine of the 11 seats in the June 5 elections.
He said as of Saturday, the current Regulations No. 19 under the Emergency Powers Act come to an end and new regulations for the next two weeks, will be published later. (CMC)
