11th July 2020
Chastanet says it was not a easy decision to resume flights
By Chastanet Facebook Page
As of yesterday, we officially began welcoming commercial flights back to the island after closing our borders on March 23rd, 2020. This means that approximately 1,500 tourism workers are now back at work.
I will admit, it has not been an easy decision, given our success thus far with managing the virus and the trend of increases in some of our key markets.
The challenge of balancing Health Security and Economic Activity has been the most challenging decision that I have had to make since becoming Prime Minister. From day 1, our Government has always made the health and safety of the public our main priority, however, we must also keep in mind the plight and suffering of over 20,000 tourism workers and others such as our farmers, fisherfolk and manufacturers who benefit from the activity of the industry.
As we adapt to living with COVID-19, I want to take this opportunity to remind citizens of some of the protocols that have helped to keep us safe.
Please ensure that you continue to avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Practice frequent sanitization of your hands and remember to cough or sneeze into your sleeve if you don’t have tissue or a handkerchief. Social Distancing is important now more than ever. Please avoid crowds or remember to maintain your distance from others when in public. Avoid physical greetings such as hugs, kisses and handshakes. Very important is that you should isolate yourself in the event you begin displaying any symptoms of COVID such as fever, a cough or experience difficulty breathing.
Whilst we cannot guarantee that we will not record imported cases of COVID-19, please rest assured that we have worked tediously to implement comprehensive and strict protocols to minimize the threat to the public and these efforts will continue. This includes the requirement that all visitors be tested before traveling to the island, all visitors go through a new screening process which includes temperature and symptom checks upon arrival. Our tourism and transportation providers have been trained in new COVID-19 protocols and guests will be monitored and checked daily whilst staying at their resort.
Over the next few days and weeks, the Ministry of Health and Tourism officials will keep providing updates to keep the public informed. Remember that you can call 311 to receive information or support.
Let’s continue to be each other’s keeper and keep ourselves, our families and our country safe.
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