Government has announced updated protocols in keeping with international trends concerning protection and control measures for COVID-19. These new directives came into effect today, Friday, September 23, 2022.
The wearing of masks is now generally optional. However, mask wearing remains mandatory for:
- Persons in nursing homes, private hospitals, senior citizen homes, district hospitals.
- Persons in health care institutions including staff, visitors, clients/patients; institutions where medical and dental services are provided.
- Persons in prison including staff, prisoners and visitors.
- Staff and students at all educational institutions.
- All nurseries and daycare facilities for both children and adults.
- Persons who have COVID-19.
- Persons travelling on public transportation.
Persons who are vulnerable such as the elderly and those with health conditions which can cause them to be at increased risk for illness or death from COVID-19, are encouraged to wear masks when around other persons. Those who come into close contact with such vulnerable persons are also encouraged to wear masks and practise good hand and respiratory hygiene. COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters are also encouraged as an added layer of protection against the virus.
Members of the public are reminded that if they are COVID-positive and in isolation, they should be wearing masks around others and continue to do so for three days after the mandatory seven-day isolation period.
There are no longer any COVID-19 related travel protocols for Barbados (All COVID-19 related travel protocols are now discontinued for Barbados). This means no testing requirements are necessary to enter Barbados, whether vaccinated or unvaccinated.
Additionally, daily publication of the COVID-19 statistics dashboard and update will cease on Friday, September 30.This will be replaced by a twice-monthly publication of the COVID statistics.
The public is encouraged to continue to exercise personal responsibility to protect themselves and others from COVID-19 in light of the further relaxation of the protocols.