Melange Travel & Lifestyle Magazine July 2020 | Page 148

Sint Eustatius Covid-19 Travel and Quarantine policy from July 1st, 2020 Tourists entering Statia From the 1st of July people from low Risk countries, who have been at least 14 consecutive days in that country before the visit to Statia are allowed to enter Statia as tourist. This implies that people from Saba, Bonaire, Curacao and Sint Kitts are welcome to visit Statia. This includes family visits. Travel from tourist from other areas is not expected to be allowed before the 1st of August, and will only be allowed if a country of origin is qualified as low risk. The tourism sector is working on plans for opening after the hurricane season for tourists from a wider group of countries. Statians leaving the Island for touristic purposes and family visits. Statians are advised to stay for holiday at home or go to low Risk countries if they want to go from the Island during the holiday period. This implies that from the 1st of July trips to Saba, Bonaire, Curacao and St. Kitts are possible. To assure a safe return with quarantine, the trip needs to be with a direct flight or a stop over with a good hygiene protocol in place. To Saba and St. Kitts boat trips are allowed, but only after approval by the government as the harbour in general is still closed. Email: [email protected] If you want to travel to another destination from Statia, it is not forbidden to do this but be aware of the risk and the consequences of travel. • Be aware of the requirements for entering the destination country and the quarantine requirements in that country • If you travel to a medium risk country 14 days of quarantine upon return is obligatory. This can be home based quarantine if your house and family composition is fit for this. • If you travel to ahigh risk country 14 days of quarantine in a central facility is obligatory. You will have to pay this yourselves and the capacity is limited, essential workers and medical referrals have priority so this implies that your return needs to be planned according to the availability of places for quarantine. For everyone travelling, it is important to: • Keep yourself updated on the regulations of that country regarding COVID • Keep yourself updated on the the developments in that country and the classification of your country by the Statian Government: As an outbreak is always possible the situation can detoriate and the risk classification of the country can be changed • During all flights the strict hygiene protocols need to be in place Questions related to COVID-19: Call 912 or email [email protected]