Health
The Omicron Effect: TCI Ready for Travel Changes
By Deandrea Hamilton
Editor
#TurksandCaicos, December 7, 2021 – A one-day old coronavirus test result, which has to be negative for Covid-19 is among the newest requirements for entry to the US for its citizens, residents and visitors whether vaccinated or not. This is a dramatic departure from the three-day-old test which was previously accepted for most US bound travellers and it is a measure activated by Joe Biden, US president. Biden, like other world leaders has raised the bar for entry to his country in an effort to fend off infiltration of the mysterious omicron variant. At this point, 15 States have reported detection of the variant.
With the United States as the main source market for tourism, the question for these islands easily turned to capability and capacity.
According to Stacy Cox, Executive Director of the Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association, these islands are.
“TCHTA and its Members are in a good position for the changes, with 21 testing stations on island and more than 60
In January, the Turks and Caicos Islands Ministry of Health approved testing centers around the country. The sanctioning of testing centres outside of the National Public Health Laboratory was in response to travel requirements announced in January 2021 by the US, UK and Canada. A surge in deaths and Covid-19 cases triggered the need for at least an antigen test result before entry or re-entry to these three major source countries.
“Thanks to the Ministry of Health for the authorization to have these testing stations in the resorts prior to this announcement; without them, we would certainly be concerned,” said Mrs. Cox on Sunday.
The 24-hour negative Covid-19 test result pre-travel took effect on December 6 for all US bound travellers.
President of the TCI Medical Association, Dr. Darren Hall as president of the TCI Medical Association informed that health care facilities in Turks and Caicos have been turning around antigen tests in less than an hour, most he said “within 30 minutes”.
Dr. Hall adds, that Turks and Caicos is well stocked with supplies on island through the holiday season.
Minister of Health Jamell Robinson expressed confidence in the testing sites; explaining “antigen testing is not a time consuming endeavor, so outside of the initial surge the testing should regularize very quickly.”
American Airlines, over the weekend, informed its passengers that the rule takes effect on December 6, but their airline will enforce the new measure of a one-day-old test result by this coming Wednesday, which is December 8.