Amor Mottley, prime minister of Barbados, announced that the island is free of Covid-19. All curfews have been lifted. She added that there are currently no active cases of the virus in the country.
The prime minister made this announcement during a press conference at Ilaro Court, accompanied by minister of health and wellness, Jeffrey Bostic; minister of tourism and international transport, Kerrie Symmonds; and attorney general, Dale Marshall. Mottley thanked Bostic and his team of health care workers for their hard work and dedication in helping Barbados reach this milestone.
Various relaxed measures have been announced as airports reopen
“This is testimony to the will, discipline, and commitment of Barbadian people, the health authorities, the frontline workers, the essential services, the social partnership, the media, the police, those on the borders, all have been integral to the success we have had thus far in tackling this pandemic. And more so, every Bajan in every house and every community,” Mottley said.
Other relaxed measures include physical distancing of three feet, social events with up to 500 patrons, and sporting events with spectators. Having 35 days with no new cases, Mottley announced that commercial flights will resume at the Grantley Adams International Airport (GAIA) on July 12th. Air Canada service, twice weekly, from Pearson International on Thursdays and Saturdays.
On July 18th, British Airways will resume a weekly flight out of London Gatwick; and Jet Blue is tentatively set to return to the island on July 25th, with four weekly flights out of JFK in New York. Intraregional flights on Caribbean Airlines are expected to resume in mid-July 2020. Virgin Atlantic’s weekly service from London Heathrow will resume on August 1st and increase in October for the upcoming winter season. American Airlines will resume flights out of Miami, Florida on August 5th.
As the country gradually reopens, Kerrie Symmonds has revealed the tourism reboot plan. It includes satellite entertainment activities without a formal Crop Over Festival and the refurbishment of the popular St. Lawrence Gap. Mottley added that the country will also be encouraging travelers to choose Barbados for extended stays against the new backdrop of remote working.
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