Jamaica restricts travel from South America

Jamaica has instituted travel restrictions for travellers from the South American countries of Brazil, Chile, Peru, Colombia, Argentina and Paraguay.

This decision comes after a review of the situation in South America where several countries are experiencing a spike in COVID-19 cases, which has been linked to the Brazilian variants. The new restrictions will become effective April 1 and run to April 13.

Two distinct COVID-19 strains have been detected in Brazil. The World Health Organization has classified them as variants of 'concern' and 'interest'. One of the variants has been reported to be more transmissible than the UK variant which has been found in Jamaica.

There is currently a restriction on travel from the UK. With the new guidelines, all non-Jamaicans who have been in the UK, Brazil, Chile, Peru, Colombia, Argentina and Paraguay within the last 14 days prior to intended arrival date in Jamaica will not be permitted to enter the country.

Jamaicans who have been in the UK, Brazil, Chile, Peru, Colombia, Argentina and Paraguay within the 14 days prior to intended arrival date, who seek to enter the island through another country, will be tested and detained in State quarantine at their own expense for a minimum of 48 hours until the results are returned.

If negative, they will be allowed to transfer to home quarantine to complete the 14-day mandatory quarantine period. If positive, they will remain in isolation at a location that is approved by the Ministry of Health and Wellness.

As of Tuesday, Jamaica has confirmed 39,237 cases of COVID-19, with 596 deaths. Another 79 deaths are under investigation. Chief epidemiologist Dr Karen Webster Kerr said that while Jamaica has experienced a spike in recent weeks, it appears that the number of cases has plateaued.