Plans for the first phase of reopening

In the first phase only one airport i.e. Hewanorra International Airport will be welcoming international flights from the United States. As the US was one of the worst affected countries in world by the COVID-19 pandemic, the screening process will be highly strict.

The people planning to visit the country must check in details the eligibility and restriction before booking the flights.  Around 1,500 hotel rooms are being prepared to open in early June for the first phase, after the completion of the pending COVID-19 safe certificate. 

Effects of COVID-19 in Saint Lucia

Saint Lucia closed its international borders on March 23, for the safety of the citizens and to curb the spread of coronavirus. Ever since the country is following the safety measures given by the World Health Organization. Caribbean Public Health Agency, along with local Department of Health and Wellness, has flowed shelter in place guidelines and also formed a COVID-19 task force to help with the phased reopening.

Till now, the country has only had 18 positive cases of the pandemic and all of them have been successfully recovered. There are no active cases of COVID-19 as of now. 

The phased reopening will continue till July

Minister Dominic Fedee also added in his announcement that the phased reopening will go on till July, which has been decided after consulting with the COVID-19 task force and on-island industry stakeholders.  To ensure that Saint Lucia remains safe destination for tourists the government will reopen only those hotels that receive the COVID-19 certificate. 

The hotels will have to meet the given criteria to receive the certificate. These criteria will include sanitisation and social distancing protocols among many others.

These measures will ensure safety of visitors, staff and the nationals of Saint Lucia.