St Lucia plans to re-open next month

Saint Lucia is planning to open to tourists within three weeks, in a phased approach that will see visitors from the US being the first to arrive.

The Saint Lucia government says the island will reopen on June 4, with flights from the US coming into Hewanorra International Airport.

Minister of Tourism Dominic Fedee said the phased approach protects nationals and visitors from the threat of Covid-19 through advance testing, daily screening and monitoring of staff and visitors, sanitisation at various points throughout the travellers’ journey and new social distancing protocols.

In anticipation of these first visitors, some 1,500 hotel rooms in Saint Lucia are being prepared to open in early June, pending completion of a new Covid-19 certification process. Hotels must meet a dozen or more specific criteria for sanitisation, social distancing and other Covid-19 protocols before they will be permitted to open to guests.

Since Saint Lucia closed its borders to international markets on March 23, the island has followed safety protocols recommended by the World Health Organisation and the Caribbean Public Health Agency, collaborated with the local Department of Health and Wellness, observed shelter-in-place guidelines, and created a Covid-19 Task Force to plan for a responsible reopening.

To date, Saint Lucia has recorded 18 cases of Covid-19, and all individuals have fully recovered. No active cases are currently being investigated.

Visitors will have to present a certified proof of a negative Covid-19 test, taken within 48 hours before boarding their flight and must continue using face masks and physical distancing upon arrival.

Travellers will be subject to screening and temperature checks by port health authorities and protocols are being established for taxis, to provide safety precautions and separate the driver from guests as an added security measure.

In Phase One, the traditional experiences that Saint Lucia is known for will be available in a limited capacity. Registered hotels and travel providers will work with visitors directly to arrange safe experiences.

Minister Fedee said: "Our new protocols have been carefully crafted and will build confidence among travellers and our citizens.

"The Government of Saint Lucia remains resolved to protect both lives and livelihoods as it jump starts its economy."

Phase Two of the island’s new responsible approach to tourism will commence on August 1, 2020, with details to be revealed in the weeks ahead.

Click here for more information on Saint Lucia’s Covid-19 response.