Last Updated on October 8, 2020, 7:33 AM AST by Anthony Morris
Prime Minister of St Kitts and Nevis, Dr Hon Timothy Harris, urged the residents and citizens of the country to prepare for an increase in the numbers of visitors and returning nationals and between November and December.
The request by the Prime Minister comes as the date for the full reopening of the borders of the country to the returning nationals and visitors comes closer.
He said during his opening remarks on the Tuesday edition of Leadership Matters that he says that the increase in the number of returning nationals and citizens would be significant because with the country’s borders closed the arrival and departure numbers are minimal.
He said that the numbers would increase as the number of flights in and out of the country would increase.
The borders of St Kitts and Nevis would reopen fully on October 31, 2020.
The borders were closed on March 25 for minimizing the importation of the COVID-19 virus and the transmission of the disease among the residents and citizens.
The Prime Minister indicated that it is likely that new infections of COVID-19 would come with the reopening of the borders of the country but stated that the guidelines and protocols implemented by the Government are aimed at minimizing the risk and for keeping people safe.
The non-pharmaceutical measures to which the Prime Minister spoke about, include the frequent washing of hands, practising physical and social distancing and wearing of face masks in public.
The Government of the twin-island federation, through the Ministries of Health and Tourism, has been putting several additional measures and protocols in place ahead of the borders being reopened, particularly at the RLB International Airport.
These include converting the VIP Lounge into the medical screening area, constructing sneeze guards on the counters and making upgrades to the Welcome Centre on the ramp in front of the arrivals area.
Anthony Morris covers stories related to politics and regional developments. His in-depth reporting about governance and reforms makes him stand out in regional journalism, with a deep analysis of political trends and their impact on Caribbean communities.
