Tourists with elevated temperatures who refuse to take a COVID-19 test will be asked to leave the country.
That’s according to Charles “Max” Fernandez, the Minister of Tourism of Antigua and Barbuda.
The government recently revised its travel policy and now requires that all passengers test negative for the new coronavirus within seven days of boarding a flight to the country.
The new requirement was introduced after a few tourists reportedly threatened to bring lawsuits challenging the previous policy that required all tourists to be tested on arrival.
Some tourists also took issue with the use of the nasopharyngeal swab for taking samples, reportedly calling the procedure “invasive”.
“I had the test done at the hotel recently. Yes, it’s a bit discomforting but it is not something that is, I think, really, really… some people would prefer that to having a stick from needle”, Fernandez told state Media.
“If you [are] now tested before you come, then you don’t have that issue with somebody saying you’re being invasive to me on arrival”, he added.
The minister said even though passengers will be tested before arriving in the country “you still will have the other protocols, i.e., the temperature checks and so on and if there’s an elevated check then you go to another screening”.
He said if that’s the case “we will have to do another test, here, and if you don’t want to do the other test then you’re put on a flight and get back out”, the minister asserted.
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Why are tourists coming to Antigua to begin with.Where are they coming from?I am aware the flight into Antigua originates in Florida.However,where are those tourists coming from to Florida then on to Antigua.I am from Antigua.I come to Antigua every year.I am not coming this year.I am not going anywhere this year.It has to be an emergency situation to get me on any aircraft at this time.
Take Advil before you travel to Antigua and you will have no issue with screening at the airport.
Covid tests should be mandatory the day before departure and upon arrival. Too intrusive? Stay home.
Taking a person’s temperature is not a good measure of whether or not they have coronavirus. It’s not a reliable measure. A more reliable measure is loss of smell.
This is the result when a nation depends on tourism. Antigua needs to find alternatives to tourism.
@Antigua Citizen:You say Antigua needs to find alternatives to tourism.That is so true.However,in order to find an alternative to anything.It would take proper planning and foresight.Those are seemingly lacking with the Politicians of today.When was the last time a Political Leader in Antigua and Barbuda come to the people and really discussed any issues.Oh,no,they go to Parliament and passed laws without ounce of input from us the VOTERS.Those are the things we the people need to change.
@ Bugsy: I couldn’t agree with you more. It has to be up to the VOTERS to make the changes. Unfortunately, most are very content with bread crumbs and of course those others who are getting “personal favours” under the table.
What is the policy on children visiting Antigua? & Covid 19 testing 7 days prior to arriving
Never mentioned children ???
I have 4 grandchildren visiting the youngest being 3.5 the eldest, two 7 yr olds & one being 13 yrs
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