Antigen Test to be accepted for entry to SKN

BASSETERRE, St. Kitts -  THE Government has approved the use of the Rapid Antigen Test for entry into St. Kitts and Nevis beginning at the start of the new month. 
 
This was confirmed by Minister of Tourism Lindsay Grant, who made the disclosure yesterday (Mar. 24) while addressing reporters at a press conference held at the St. Kitts Marriott Resort.
 
“Please note that effective April 1st, 2022, all fully vaccinated travellers entering St. Kitts and Nevis by air will have the option of presenting a negative COVID-19 Antigen Test 24 hours prior to arrival into the destination or a  negative COVID-19 RT PCR Test 72 hours prior to arrival,” he disclosed.
 
Since the start of the pandemic, St. Kitts and Nevis has been only accepting the RT PCR Test as the gold standard for entry into the Federation. But with the COVID-19 cases being non-existent and more territories now relaxing their requirements, it could be that the Federation is receiving push back.
 
Additionally, the new measure comes at a time when the tourism sector is at a crossroad since the restart following the pandemic. In order to remain competitive heading into the Spring/Summer season, the measure could be seen as a hindrance to travellers.
 
“We also understand that our protocols are in place to keep us safe and not restrictive to the point where we are unable to maintain our livelihood. When we began this journey, I indicated that we will be taking a phased approach to reopening the sector. I am pleased to state that we have now entered a new phase,” Grant added.
 
The changes will likely impact a number of upcoming events, allowing for more visitors to the islands, including, the staging of international cricket, the Culturama Festival, the Caribbean Premier League and the St. Kitts Music Festival. 
 
It was recently revealed in a post Cabinet release that recommendations were put forward on the removal of several measures following the decline in the number of positive cases of COVD-19.
 
In addition to the change, health officials recommended the discontinuation of the shift system for schools and revert to in-person classes.
 
“Certain amendments were made to the protocols where the Antigen Test approved by the Chief Medical Officer may be used for entry into the Federation, while the mask mandate will be maintained for now. The Director of the National Emergency Operations Center and Chair of the Task Force sought Cabinet’s approval for certain mass events, especially for Culturama to be allowed. He reported on the readiness of shelters for the upcoming hurricane season,” the Cabinet statement read.