Government is preparing COVID-19 rapid testing facilities for travellers to the United States, according to a statement from Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI) today.
This follows the announcement over the weekend that starting January 26, the US will require travellers to present a negative COVID-19 test for entry into the country.
The BTMI statement said rapid tests are accepted and, as a result, over the next week, Government will be announcing the facilities.
“This will allow for fast-tracking of results for these special cases,” it noted.
A health alert posed on the website of the United states Embassy on January 16 said: “Effective January 26, all airline passengers to the United States ages two years and older must provide either a negative COVID-19 viral test taken within three calendar days of travel or provide a positive test result and documentation from a licensed health care provider or public health official of having recovered from COVID-19 in the 90 days preceding travel.
“Passengers must also attest, under penalty of law, to having received a negative qualifying test result or to recovery from COVID-19 and medical clearance to travel.
“Airlines must deny boarding to passengers who do not meet these requirements.
“US citizens in countries where adequate COVID-19 testing is not available or may not be able to satisfy the requirements, should depart immediately or prepare to be unable to return to the United States until such time as they can meet the requirements.” (PR/KG)
