COVID-19 update – January 20, 2021. (PMO)

The Ministry of Tourism, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, is providing COVID-19 testing for outbound travellers.

During a press conference today at Ilaro Court, Minister of Tourism and International Transport, Senator Lisa Cummins, shared that 145 outbound travellers had been tested at the Best-dos Santos Public Health Laboratory, in order to receive their certification for travel.

She said: “They have been, since Tuesday this week, … persons who have been able to come to the Best-dos Santos Lab to benefit from a combination of PCR tests for outbound travellers who are moving out to Canada … [and] to the United Kingdom; they have been able to benefit from antigen testing specifically.”

The Minister noted that the Ministry had been working with its airline industry partners, specifically British Airways and Virgin Atlantic, to communicate to outbound travellers to the United Kingdom the process of how to acquire the test.

Senator Cummins stated: “There are also additional arrangements being put in place to facilitate those persons who will continue travelling throughout the course of the coming week. We will have an additional facility stood up during the course of this week, and we will make an announcement on that,” she disclosed, regarding future testing for outbound travellers.

With respect to travellers to Caribbean destinations and Canada, the Minister urged those travellers to call the Tourism hotline at 628-4150, “so that arrangements can be made for you in time to fly out with a negative PCR test result and your required certification,” Minister Cummins said.

Senator Cummins apologised for the recent challenges with regards to testing and the return of test results, and stressed that Government was working through those issues. 

She also gave the assurance that Barbados is “committed to continuing to ensure safe travel, smooth travel, [and] efficient travel”. 

sheena.forde-craigg@barbados.gov.bb

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