SAINT LUCIA REPORTS THE LOWEST RECORDED COVID19 RATES IN THE CARIBBEAN
THE ISLAND CONTINUES TO EASE VISITOR RESTRICTIONS
Aug 27, 2020
Piton Peaks Photo Credit Saint Lucia Tourism Board (SLTB)
Based on the impact of a responsible opening plan, traveler pre-testing, and on-island protocols, Saint Lucia has confirmed the lowest Covid-19 rates across the Caribbean region, with only 26 cases to date and no deaths (1.42 cases per 10k population). Adding to consumer confidence in Saint Lucia, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has reduced Saint Lucia’s Covid-19 rating to the lowest, Level 1, as one of only eight countries globally. The CDC notes that “over the last 28 days, new cases of Covid-19 in Saint Lucia decreased or stabilized.” Link to the CDC info here. And a link to the overall Caribbean stats here.
Tourism accounts for 65 percent of the island’s GDP, and Saint Lucia is proceeding with caution in a phased re-opening program. Having successfully managed the pandemic across the island, the Government has announced a further easing of certain restrictions for visitors and has added even more ways to enjoy their island vacation. As such, visitors are now permitted to stay in up to two COVID-certified properties for the duration of their stay, which will offer varied experiences across the island. Guests staying at COVID-certified properties can take part in various water-based activities like scuba diving and sailing, following the protocols put in place at their hotel.
Saint Lucia COVID rating drops to Level 1 Photo Credit CDC.gov
The following accommodation providers are Covid-19 certified: Anse Chastanet; Bay Gardens Beach Resort & Spa; Ladera; Caille Blanc Villa, Cap Maison, Jade Mountain; Marigot Bay Resort, Spa and Marina (scheduled to welcome guests in October); Sandals Grande St. Lucian; Serenity at Coconut Bay; Stonefield Resort Villas; Sugar Beach – A Viceroy Resort, Tet Rouge and Windjammer Landing Villa Beach Resort (scheduled to open October 8). Several other hotels and resorts are on track to receive certification and will be opening soon. Marigot Bay and Rodney Bay Marinas are also open.
“We are encouraged by the figures that currently show Saint Lucia is leading the way in the Caribbean region with the lowest number of Covid-19 cases per capita. We are certainly not complacent, and the measures we have put in place have helped us to achieve such a positive record. These results will show potential visitors that our responsible approach to re-opening and providing a safe environment for a holiday is a good reason to choose Saint Lucia. We have safely welcomed more than 2,000 visitors to Saint Lucia since reopening July 9 and to know that they have had a positive holiday experience here gives us optimism for the future. Due to the changing nature of the pandemic, we continue to closely manage the situation, which is why we have been able to ease some of the restrictions at this time,” remarked Minister of Tourism, Honourable Dominic Fedee.
Jade Mountain is a Covid-19 certified resort and popular for private dining Photo Credit Jade Mountain
Entry requirements for arrivals continue to include:
– Completion of online Pre-Arrival Registration Form
– Negative Covid-19 PCR test up to seven days before the date of travel
– The rapid test will not be accepted upon arrival
– Screening at the airport
– International visitors may stay in up to two Covid-19 certified hotels per visit
– Nationals and residents must quarantine for 14 days on arrival at a Government facility
– Those visiting from the regional ‘bubble’ are now required to show a negative PCR test taken up to seven days prior to travel
For more information about Saint Lucia’s Covid-19 response, all protocols and details of requirements prior to entry, please visit www.stlucia.org/covid-19. **Data summary of Caribbean Covid-19 cases as of August 24, 2020, can be found here; a chart created using CDC and Worldometer Coronavirus data.
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Twin Piton Peaks Photo Credit Saint Lucia Tourist Board (SLTB)
