Saint Lucia Continues to Ease Visitor Restrictions
by Jessica Montevago /Saint Lucia again eased visitor restrictions as it continues to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic. Photo: Shutterstock.com.
The Saint Lucia government this week announced further easing of certain restrictions for visitors as it continues to manage the COVID-19 pandemic across the island.
Saint Lucia is proceeding with caution in a phased re-opening program, and visitors are now permitted to stay in up to two COVID-certified properties for the duration of their stay. Guests staying at these properties can take part in various water-based excursions arranged by the hotel like scuba diving and sailing, following the protocols put in place at their hotel. Visitors still must remain at those accommodations for the duration of their stay.
The following hotels and resorts are COVID-19 certified: Anse Chastanet; Bay Gardens Beach Resort & Spa; Ladera; Caille Blanc Villa, Cap Maison, Jade Mountain; Marigot Bay Resort, Spa and Marina (scheduled to welcome guests in October); Sandals Grande St. Lucian; Serenity at Coconut Bay; Stonefield Resort Villas; Sugar Beach - A Viceroy Resort, Tet Rouge and Windjammer Landing Villa Beach Resort (scheduled to open Oct. 8). Several other hotels and resorts are on track to receive certification and will be opening soon. Marigot Bay and Rodney Bay Marinas are also open.
Saint Lucia has confirmed the lowest Covid-19 rates across the Caribbean region, with only 26 cases to date and no deaths. Adding to consumer confidence in Saint Lucia, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has reduced Saint Lucia’s Covid-19 rating to the lowest, Level 1, as one of only eight countries globally.
“We are encouraged by the figures that currently show Saint Lucia is leading the way in the Caribbean region with the lowest number of COVID-19 cases per capita. We are certainly not complacent, and the measures we have put in place have helped us to achieve such a positive record,” Minister of Tourism, Honourable Dominic Fedee said in a statement.
“These results will show potential visitors that our responsible approach to re-opening and providing a safe environment for a holiday is a good reason to choose Saint Lucia. We have safely welcomed more than 2,000 visitors to Saint Lucia since reopening July 9, and to know that they have had a positive holiday experience here gives us optimism for the future.”
The minister said that due to the changing nature of the pandemic, the government will continue to closely manage the situation.
Entry requirements for arrivals continue to include the completion of online pre-arrival registration form, a negative PCR test up to seven days before date of travel, and a temperature check screening at the airport.
All travelers must wear a face mask during the flight, in the airport, and other public spaces while in Saint Lucia. Masks are required in public spaces at the resort, but they are not required in restaurants once seated and at the pool.
