Is it safe to travel to Jamaica right now during COVID? – September 2021
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  • Post published:29/08/2021
  • Post last modified:29/08/2021

Jamaica announces weekend lockdown while considering stricter safety measures over surge in COVID-19 cases.

In the following three weekends, residents will be asked to remain at home. Essential workers will be allowed to travel to work. People can also leave their homes for emergency reasons or vaccination appointments.

At the moment, Jamaica is on CDC’s high COVID-19 transmission list – dark orange. You should reconsider traveling to the country. If you are still planning on visiting Jamaica, make sure you are fully vaccinated.

Current COVID-19 situation in Jamaica

Jamaica has registered a rise in coronavirus cases in the past few weeks. At the moment, there are 14,524 active cases and around 640 new infections daily.

In total, Jamaica has reported 63,831 COVID-19 infections, of which 1,431 have resulted in death.

Vaccination progress in Jamaica

Jamaica had a rather slow vaccination rollout. However, on Tuesday, August 24, the country hit the record of 21,000 doses administered in a single day. 40% of the people vaccinated on Tuesday were students aged 12 to 18, added the Health Ministry.

So far, Jamaica has distributed over 480,000 doses. Only around 5% of the population has been fully vaccinated. The goal is to inoculate 65% of Jamaicans by March next year. 

Jamaica entry requirements

Jamaica is open for tourism. However, a number of entry requirements apply.

All travelers aged 12 and up must provide a negative COVID-19 test result at arrival. They may be further tested or screened for symptoms at the airport. 

All visitors are also subject to quarantine according to the assigned travel category and vaccination status. More detailed information can be found here.

Until August 31, flights from Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, India, Paraguay, Peru, and Trinidad and Tobago are suspended. Travelers who have visited at least one of those countries in the past 14 days are not allowed either.

Jamaica safety measures

There are various local safety measures around the island. Masks and social distancing of at least six feet are mandatory in all public spaces. Public gatherings of more than 10 people are not permitted, while businesses operate at restricted hours.

There is also a weekday curfew from 9 pm to 5 am. At the weekends, residents are required to remain at home.

Why visit Jamaica during the pandemic times

Jamaica created Resilient Corridors to encourage safe tourism. They are divided into two parts. The Northern segment, which stretches from Negril to Port Antonio, and the South Coast segment, which runs from Negril to Milk River.

Tourism and service operators on those corridors are committed to complying with the latest COVID-19 protocols, including hand hygiene, disinfecting, social distancing, and wearing face coverings. 

Licensed accommodations and attractions not located within the corridors that observe the protocols and accept guests are listed here.

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