The decision by the United States (US), United Kingdom (UK) and Canada to insist that visitors returning from Jamaica must show a negative COVID-19 test before re-entering the country is another obstacle presented to the tourism sector which is attempting to keep afloat.

This comes on the heels of a variant of the virus that first broke out in the UK, forcing that country to shut down and Jamaica to place a ban on incoming visitors from there. Then, the cruise industry postponed coming into ports because of a virulent second wave, thus, cutting off a lucrative revenue arm. Added to these blows are stringent measures placed on the sector to keep both visitors and tourism workers safe from the virus.

Despite these impediments, tourism officials have kept a sunny disposition, continually calling for visitors to come to Jamaica, insisting that they will be safe.

At the beginning of a new year and nearly one year since the pandemic was unleashed, COVID-19 has become more devastating with no immediate signs of relenting. Developed countries are taking greater measures to protect their borders and keep infection rates down.

For months there has been no concerted effort to get PCR testing and adequate antigen test kits in place and the decision by developed countries to insist on them has forced Jamaica’s hand.

The country now has to rely on donations of test kits and, after months of inertia, the Ministry of Health is now looking to work more closely with the private sector.

Minister of Health Dr. Christopher Tufton, speaking on the urgency of getting these tests in place, said: “It is another case of our working together as a team, as a country, to protect our population -our locals and those who visit.”

Sandals Resorts has moved quickly to get competent private sector medical professionals to conduct tests for its guests and other hotels are expected to follow suit.

These tests must be done up to three days before departure. Now there is anxiety to ensure both PCR and antigen tests are in place to protect the tourism sector. What is not too clear at this time is what measures are in place for Jamaican citizens requiring an accurate test to determine their COVID-19 status.

Senior advisor to the Ministry of Tourism Delano Seiveright, referring to the scramble to put procedures in place for tourists, said: “They’re all just putting in the work now to get ready for January 26.”

The U.S. Government has declared that, from January 26, it will only accept travelers who have done a test that gives a negative showing – in other words, the visitor did not contract the virus while on holiday in Jamaica.

Sandals issued a release, getting ahead of the government, that read: “Tests will be conducted by approved and practised medical professionals with maximum convenience and minimal distraction to your clients’ overall vacation experience.

“As this has been an established requirement for other visitors from around the world, we want to assure you that our team is experienced in ensuring this process is as smooth and effortless as possible.

“Once at the resort, our team will assist them, without difficulty, to make the arrangements required to schedule their on-site COVID-19 test at the resort. This will be done at least 72 hours prior to departure and test results will be available within 24-48 hours.”

The Ministry of Health and the Government of Jamaica will have to move with similar alacrity, speed and efficiency to protect Jamaicans, given that infection cases are rising. There are now 13,992 confirmed cases of the coronavirus with 77 reported in the last 24 hours with one death.

What has yet to be determined is who will pay for these vital tests and how will they generally be administered?

Round Hill has announced that it will be putting testing procedures in place.

Does the hotel absorb the cost or does the visitor have to fork out for the test to ensure a return home?

Does the government play a role here or is it totally left to the private medical sector and the hotels to take care of this situation?