Testing for novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is continuing even though there are no confirmed cases at present.
The Best-dos Santos Public Health Laboratory is testing people daily.
The Ministry of Health and Wellness has explained that those being tested include people requiring surgical procedures, those being admitted into healthcare institutions and those with respiratory or other suspected COVID-19 symptoms.
Testing is also being carried out at the request of some work places and for individuals with travel plans, according to a statement from the ministry.
With the recommencement of scheduled commercial travel from July 12, protocols have been put in place.
Minister of Tourism and International Transport, Kerrie Symmonds said everyone travelling to Barbados must be tested for COVID-19 at an accredited laboratory within 72 hours of departure, with the exception of those coming from within CARICOM, who are allowed up to one week before travel to get tested.
Visitors must have a certificate asserting that they are COVID-19 negative. Symmonds said passengers who arrive without being tested, will be tested at a site being set up for that purpose at the Concorde Experience facility next door to the airport.
“Satellite testing facilities will also be established at about four hotels where visitors who prefer that option will be tested at their own expense. Anyone who tests positive for COVID-19 will immediately be transported to the isolation facility at Harrison Point, St Lucy. The protocol also requires that all arriving passengers wear face masks and they will be subject to temperature checks on arrival,” the statement said. (BGIS)
