All systems are ‘GO’ for St. Lucia!
In a nutshell: Today is opening day for tourism in St. Lucia – an island with zero COVID-19 deaths and twenty-two reported cases.
Here’s what you need to know.
The goal, of course, is to prevent any new cases on the island hence the rigorous protocols for visitors and the creation of the Caribbean Bubble. If you’re traveling from the islands in the Caribbean Bubble – you’re exempt as there are different protocols for the islands within the Bubble. Chances are, you’re NOT in the Bubble (well, not this one).
Going to St. Lucia
First, make a reservation at one of the seven COVID-19 certified resorts including Sandals Grande St. Lucian, Ladera Resort, Anse Chastanet, Jade Mountain, Bay Gardens Beach Resort, Stonefield Resort Villas, or Sugar Beach – A Viceroy Resort.
Then, you have to complete the online pre-arrival registration form, take a COVID-19 (PCR) test within 7-days of arrival, and bring proof of the negative results along with that pre-arrival registration.
What you can expect
- Mandatory masks in airport, taxis, and public areas
- Drivers will wear a mask and will have undergone all training to be a certified provider. The vehicle will continuously be sanitized.
- U.S./Canadian Visitors will not be able to travel via non-certified taxis nor will they be able to rent a car. No helicopter transfers either.
- Physical distancing – at least 6-feet apart
- Screening and testing if someone is symptomatic
- Airport team will facilitate the process of visitor screening
- Quarantine and isolation when necessary for the safety of visitors and the people of St. Lucia.
- If no fever, or any symptoms, you’ll proceed to immigration, customs, baggage claim
- St. Lucia has the ability to contact trace
If quarantine is required while at the resort – the guest will be assigned to one of the designated ‘isolation’ rooms and will receive the COVID-19 test results in 12-24 hours. If positive – the guest will be transferred to a health facility until they receive a negative test result (2 negative tests), and are stable. Once stable and if staying long enough they can rejoin their friends/family or return home.
You may be wondering about costs associated with testing, etc.
- If a test is required while in St. Lucia – the cost is $100 U.S. (per person) + costs associated if tested positive and require care at a facility. If positive and taken to a medical facility, the guest will be responsible for services/care at health facility.
- Connect with your health insurance provider prior to leaving home country to see if you would be covered for COVID-19 testing while out of the country.
While you’re in St. Lucia:
Physical distancing is the new normal, resorts will offer more outdoor dining, reservations required, and masks can be removed once seated at the table. Guests are not expected to wear a mask for dining, of course, nor at beach/pool as long as physical distancing is adhered to.
Guests are required to remain at their resort for their entire stay. Off-property dining will not be available in this first re-opening phase.
Water sports, kayaking, Hobie cats, water skiing will be available at certified resorts. Snorkeling? It’s best to bring your own equipment even though sanitization will be enforced.
St. Lucia is currently in phase 1, which may last 6-8 weeks. If no negative triggers, they’ll progress to phase 2.
Going back home:
Masks and physical distancing required at the airport and only departing guests will be allowed in the terminal.
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