Basseterre, St. Kitts, October 08, 2021 (SKNIS): Health authorities in St. Kitts and Nevis are now offering COVID-19 antigen testing for outbound travellers of the twin-island Federation.
Chairman of the National COVID-19 Task Force, Abdias Samuel, announced the change on October 06, 2021, during the National Emergency COVID-19 Briefing.
He noted that most destinations require a negative COVID-19 test to be submitted before arrival in the respective country/territory. Until now, the only test that was available locally under this arrangement was an RT-PCR test. The range has now expanded as countries begin to alter their travel stipulations.
“We have been in discussions with the hoteliers and Dr. [Cameron] Wilkinson, [Medical Chief of Staff of the Joseph N. France General Hospital], would have begun his discussions with the various laboratories,” Mr. Samuel stated. “We are of the view that persons who will be departing the Federation should be able to undergo a rapid test or antigen test based on the destination, and the acceptance of the destination going forward.”
Mr. Samuel said that the news has been welcomed by hotel operators as it will help to enhance the visitor experience pertaining to the departure protocols for outgoing travellers. Similarly, the decrease in demand for RT-PCR testing will enable local laboratories to expedite the processing of tests for locals as well as international travellers in quarantine.
Inbound travellers to St. Kitts and Nevis must submit a negative RT-PCR or antigen test taken 72 hours before arrival in the Federation.
They must also submit proof of being fully vaccinated and will be required to quarantine for 24 hours. A COVID-19 test sample will be taken during the period of quarantine and individuals will be released from quarantine after receiving a negative RT-PCR test.
