Grenada considering reduced quarantine period for fully vaccinated arrivals

St George's, Grenada (CMC) – Health authorities in Grenada are considering changing the quarantine period for all incoming passengers who are fully vaccinated with one of the vaccines approved for emergency used by the World Health Organisation (WHO).

According to Health Minister Nickolas Steele, the idea is for people who are fully vaccinated to mingle with the citizens quicker.

At present, all incoming passengers must present a negative COVID-19 PCR no less than three days before travel.

Upon arrival, the person will head straight into quarantine and then be a tested on the fifth day – once a negative test is obtained the person will be medically cleared to leave quarantine.

“If someone is fully vaccinated with AstraZeneca, with Pfizer, with Moderna then you don’t have to, or will have a significantly reduced quarantine period when coming into Grenada,” said Steele who was speaking on Wednesday during the weekly post-cabinet briefing.

As of March 18, Grenada became one of the seven Caribbean destinations that were placed on a list by the US-based Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as level one nations.

The level indicated that all travellers should wear a mask, avoid crowds, stay at least six feet from people who are not travelling together, washing hands often or use hand sanitisers and watch their health for signs of the illness.

The new ranking from the CDC came less than two weeks before Sandals – one of Grenada’s all-inclusive properties resumed operation after a three-month closure.

The hotel was reportedly linked to the island’s December cluster.

“As part of our campaign to reopen, all our travel agents are now encouraging clients to become vaccinated,” said Peter Fraser the General Manager at Sandals.

“So, if persons who are fully vaccinated will have reduced quarantine, we will welcome this positive news,” he added.

As part of the reopening protocol, Sandals has established a quarantine area for any guest who is tested positive on the island.

For his part, Tourism Minister Clarice Modeste is pleased that the island is now categorised by the CDC as a level one but is at the same time, concerned that more tourism workers are not opting to become vaccinated.

She also confirmed that health authorities are having a discussion about changing the protocol for entering the island.

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