In the words of the now-famous poet Amanda Gorman, “So while once we asked, ‘How could we possibly prevail over catastrophe?’ Now we assert, ‘How could catastrophe possibly prevail over us?’
A phrase delivered as part of a wonderful nation-building poem that gave me pause for thought. We look to our leaders to lead especially through challenging times such as what the world is currently experiencing but rather than do as we are told, we stick up our middle finger, and say ‘Not me’ or ‘Not my problem’.
And while we do that, we continue to harm only ourselves. Antigua & Barbuda has been incredibly lucky to date with regards to our low level of COVID-19 cases, but we need a renewed effort from EVERYONE on our little islands to ensure this remains the case.
Every individual has the power to collectively ensure we don’t allow COVID-19 to send us into catastrophe. The government do not want to impose further restrictions but ultimately they have to look after the health of the nation. If you don’t know their stance, educate yourself with the recording of today’s Cabinet Press Briefing.
If you own a business you have to renew your efforts to work within the protocols. Are you ensuring tables are spaced out, are you ensuring people are masked when they walk around & do you have enough sanitization stations?
If you frequent a business, are you following the rules, especially if you’ve had a drink or two?
If you are in Antigua & Barbuda on holiday are you doing the same? You have been welcomed to our shores but please don’t think that a negative PCR test is enough to prevent you from passing on COVID-19 to our small nation. Be empathetic to the risk to everyone you come into contact with.
We are all in this together, we need each other, so please let’s not have catastrophe prevail over us.
Let’s put on our big girl/boy pants and be responsible and we will get through this together. The alternative is unthinkable. If you are unsure of the rules and regulations, please take a read here.
WHAT'S HOT THIS WEEK
FREE RETURN HOME TEST Effective January 26th, 2021, Cocobay Resort is offering all guests a rapid on-site COVID-19 antigen test prior to departure for three-night stays and more at no additional costs. Testing will be conducted by certified medical practitioners in accordance with public health guidelines.
CLEAN AND SAFE CERTIFICATION Galley Bay Cottages debut their "Clean & Safe" certification, which is a stamp of approval from the Ministry of Tourism and Investment, to show that they are certified to operate in accordance with Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Licensing and Classification Act of 2019.
UK: The implementation of a mandatory PCR test taken within 72hrs for all arrivals into the UK has been extended from January 14, 2021 to January 21, 2021 for Antigua and Barbuda.
USA: Effective January 26, 2021, all air passengers arriving in the US from a foreign country must be tested no more than 3 days before their flight departs and to provide proof of the negative result or documentation of having recovered from COVID-19 to the airline before boarding the flight.
CANADA: The Government of Canada requires all air passengers five years of age and older to test negative for COVID-19 before traveling to Canada. Mount St. John's Medical Centre advises that travelers are required to commence the testing process at least 7 days prior to departure date to facilitate an appointment for swabbing.
PROTOCOLS FOR TEAM ANTIGUA PAIRS (TAPs) ARRIVAL Officials issue protocols for arrival that apply to families of TAPs rowers at the Dockyard and encourage supporters to celebrate all the TWAC teams' arrivals virtually
