SABA—Per May 1, Saba will discontinue the pre-travel COVID-19 testing, the Electronic Health Application System (EHAS) forms, and the day 4 post-arrival testing, Island Governor Jonathan Johnson announced on Monday, April 25.
Based on the current epidemiological situation on the island, the high and rising vaccination rate, and the Omicron variant of COVID-19, the Saba Outbreak Management Team (OMT) has been phasing out the on-island mitigation measures in the past weeks.
As of Sunday, May 1, persons traveling to Saba will not need to show a negative COVID-19 test result to enter the island. A pre-approved EHAS will also not be needed anymore for arriving passengers. The current requirement for incoming travelers or returning residents to test on day 4 will be dropped as well.
“In May 2021, we reopened our borders and allowed for free travel with safety protocols in place, including continued quarantine requirements, testing before and after your trip, and special on-island measures,” stated the Island Governor in an audio message on Monday.
“Now, one year later, we are cautiously, deliberately, and strategically entering into this new phase of getting us back to ‘normal,’ which is also happening around the world. Although we have had our share of COVID-19 cases in the last four months, we have had no serious illnesses, and our healthcare services have not been overwhelmed. Thankfully the citizens of Saba have stepped up every time for vaccinations, boosters, and following on-island measures,” stated Johnson.
Saba, just as in the rest of the world, will continue to have COVID-19 cases. Responsible behavior is key in preventing the spread of the virus. “Responsibility means: Not letting your guard down and getting complacent, washing your hands regularly with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, wearing a mask if deemed necessary, getting vaccinated and getting your booster, traveling safely and being mindful of the possibility of putting others at risk, staying informed, calling Saba Cares if you have flu-like symptoms and staying at home when you feel unwell,” said Johnson.
Persons who test positive, need to follow the local isolation policy, which is a 7-day isolation, inform their household and their close contacts so that these persons can take precautions.
Bron: Daily Herald