He said that Cabinet on November 6, 2020, decided that the Phase III Testing Protocol, which requires certified RT-PCR testing at various intervals and sites for all arriving travellers in order to manage the risk of COVID-19 transmission while reducing quarantine requirements during the incubation period for the disease would be amended.

Hon Malone made the announcement via a live broadcast held last night, November 10, 2020, adding that these testing and quarantine protocols apply to all travellers inclusive of Tourists, Residents, Belongers and Work Permit holders.

Revised protocols

Minister Malone said, all travellers will be required to download the approved app and must be issued a Travel Certificate, and get tested before travelling to the territory.

He said: “Cabinet decided that the following tests will be required: a Certified RT-PCR COVID-19 negative test within five days prior to arrival for all travellers from low risks countries; and within three days prior to arrival for all travellers from medium and high risks countries.”

The countries that make up the abovementioned list will be revealed at a later stage, he said.

He stated that a test would be carried out upon arrival and “if negative, allows controlled movement within the confines of an approved property. Another test would be carried out after four days of quarantine, which if negative, allows movement within the Territory unabated.”

Quarantining on vessels permitted

The Health Minister said, during the mandatory four-day quarantine period, travellers can utilise an approved boat or property on land.

“Cabinet further decided that the Protocol for Vessel Arrivals will require certified RT-PCR testing and provide for quarantine accommodations aboard vessels as well as restricted movement within Territorial waters as follows: Four days quarantine will be undertaken on the vessels at mooring sites to be approved by the Minister for Health and Social Development in consultation with the Minister for Natural Resources, Labour and Immigration.”

He added: “Cabinet decided that vessels will be able to move within territorial waters during the quarantine period, but they may only moor at approved sites as approved by the Minister for Health and Social Development in consultation with the Minister for Natural Resources, Labour and Immigration.”

Hon Malone also mentioned that mega yachts would be approved entry in accordance with established marine protocols, except otherwise as approved by him.

Testing positive

However, for travellers who test positive in the territory, there will be more quarantine days, he explained.

“Cabinet decided that a positive test at any stage upon arrival will require fourteen (14) days quarantine,” he remarked.

Notably, persons testing positive would not be allowed into the territory.