The Jamaican Government has extended the ban on travel from the United Kingdom (UK) until March 15, as it awaits confirmation of whether the more infectious British variant of the novel coronavirus is already in the island.

The extension means the current ban on direct flights from the UK will remain in place and that all non-Jamaicans who have been in the UK within 14 days prior to their intended arrival date in Jamaica, and who may seek to enter the island through another country, will not be permitted into the country.

JAMAICANS WILL CONTINUE TO BE TESTED AND DETAINED

In a statement late last night, the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) said Jamaicans who have been in the UK within the 14 days prior to their intended arrival date, and seek to enter the island through another country, will be tested and detained in State quarantine for a minimum of 48 hours until the results are returned.

“If negative, they will be allowed to transfer to home quarantine to complete the 14-day mandatory quarantine period,” the OPM said.

“If positive, they will remain in isolation at a location that is approved by
the Ministry of Health and Wellness.”

RESTRICTIONS BEGAN IN DECEMBER 2020

Restrictions were first placed on travel from the UK back on December 21 last year, after a new, more infectious strain of the novel coronavirus was detected in that country.

The restrictions, which had intially been put in place for two weeks, were in January extended until the end of that month and then until February 28.

Last night, Prime Minister Andrew Holness’ office said the Government was awaiting the results of genome sequence testing of samples sent to the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) to determine the possible presence of new strains of the SARS-COV2 virus in Jamaica.

The restrictions will be reviewed again following receipt of these test results.