Government will end the mask-wearing mandate and travel protocols related to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) at midnight on Thursday in Barbados.
Acting Prime Minister Santia Bradshaw said mask wearing in general was now going to be optional, but she said it remained firmly intact for select places across the island.
“Mask wearing, however, remains mandatory for persons in nursing homes, private hospital, and senior citizens’ homes; people in healthcare institutions including staff, visitors, clients, and patients; all institutions where medical and dental services are provided,” Bradshaw said.
“Persons in prison, including staff, prisoners, and visitors; staff and students at all educational institutions, all nurseries, and all daycare facilities for both children and adults; and of course, persons who have COVID-19, as well as persons who are travelling on public service vehicles.”
Bradshaw added that all travel protocols will be discontinued, and Barbados will join 95 per cent of the countries in the western hemisphere that preceded the island with this decision.
“There will, therefore, be no testing requirements for entering Barbados, whether your are vaccinated or unvaccinated,” she said.
Coincidentally, Chairman of the Barbados Hotel & Tourism Association, Renee Coppin pleaded with government to remove the remaining COVID-19 protocols because she feared that they may make Barbados as a tourist destination “uncompetitive”.
Her remarks came during the BHTA’s quarterly meeting and panel discussion this past Friday at the Mount Gay Visitors Centre.
