posted on March 12, 2022

The current outlook for the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in Barbados remains optimistic, although the risk of transmission remains an issue.

Health and Welfare Minister Ian Gooding-Edghill said in a statement today that ‘despite changes in the scientific factors that guide our day-to-day decision-making, infections are trending down’.

Gooding-Edghill said that in view of the improvements, further easing of COVID-19 restrictions (with certain conditions) will take effect on Monday, March 14 in the new COVID directive:

Among them: nightclubs can restart; karaoke will be allowed with a distance of three feet and disinfection; and pleasure boats, party cruises and private boats will continue to operate at 100% capacity.

According to the minister, the return to sporting activity will be “gradual and determined” and requirements have been set for indoor, outdoor, contact and non-contact activities. Additionally, horse racing fans will be allowed to return to the Garrison Savannah.

Giving some statistics, the minister said the positivity rate was 10-12% over the past week, down from a high of 26% a month ago.

“This tells us that approximately 88% of all people tested daily do not have COVID, an improvement from the 83% rate that existed two weeks ago.

“The effective R, the ability of the virus to spread, however, has increased from 0.71 recorded two weeks ago, to 0.89. This tells us that the risk of transmission is still an issue.

Gooding-Edghill said the incidence of cases continues to decline, but at a slower rate. Cumulative cases over seven days to March 9 currently stand at 332 cases per 100,000 population. This represents a decrease of 15% compared to the previous week. Two weeks ago, seven-day cumulative cases stood at 514 per 100,000 population.

The Minister explained that the doubling time which measures the growth rate continues to increase which, once again, confirms the slowdown in the growth of the epidemic.

He also noted that “the outbreak at the Geriatric Hospital has ended and there are only a few new positive cases reported at Her Majesty’s Prison Dodd and the Psychiatric Hospital.”

“The occupancy rate at Harrison’s Point is approximately 40% of its capacity. However, we continue to monitor the situation at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, which has reported an increase in the number and severity of cases of people with NCDs and their complications.

“In light of the encouraging improvement in the national COVID situation, the following relaxation of COVID restrictions will come into effect on Monday, March 14 in the new COVID directive:”

• Nightclubs can restart. Requirements will be proof of vaccine certificate or negative rapid antigen test for guests within a day of entry. The COVID-19 Surveillance Unit must be informed before the opening of the nightclubs.
• Karaoke will be allowed with a three foot distancing and sanitization, singers must stay six feet away from the main group of patrons.
• Pleasure craft, party cruises and private boats will continue to operate at 100% capacity with proof of vaccination status or a negative rapid antigen test result for guests within a day of entry.
• Party cruises will be required to notify the COVID-19 Monitoring Unit prior to each event and have a member of the Unit on board at the expense of the organizers.

On sports, Gooding-Edghill said following meetings with the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Community Empowerment, the gradual reintroduction of sporting events can take place.

“The return to sporting activity will be gradual and voluntary. The sport will return depending on the risk involved.

The following requirements will apply to indoor and outdoor contact and non-contact sports:

For non-contact outdoor sports, there will be no vaccine or rapid antigen test requirements for participants, for example cricket, hockey, football and swimming.

In the case of non-contact indoor sport, a vaccination or rapid antigen test for participants is required. Particular attention will be paid to indoor squash and handball.

For indoor contacts, vaccination and rapid antigen testing are required for participants; while vaccination or rapid antigen tests are required for participants in external contact.

The Ministry of Youth, Sports and Community Empowerment will set relevant guidelines and protocols for the safe reopening of sports. These protocols will include what is required for normal training sessions and competitions.

National Primary School Athletics Championships (NAPSAC) and Barbados Secondary Schools Athletics Championships (BSSAC) will be permitted.

The statement said any sport requiring special approval can only take place after official clearance from the COVID-19 monitoring unit or the chief medical officer.

Horse racing fans will once again be able to attend the Garrison Savannah in person in general.

“In relation to cricket, the vaccination-only policy for the next Test match at the Kensington Oval will apply to all stands. No rapid antigen testing will be required for the party stall at Kensington Oval,” the statement read.

Gooding-Edghill said that “we still have a long way to go and in this respect I am confident that Barbadians will continue to appreciate that their sense and demonstration of personal responsibility will be very important”.

“Rest assured that we will put in place policies intended to contribute to the safety, security and overall benefit of society as a whole. It is useful to remind people that cases of COVID give rise to cases of Therefore, protecting yourself and adhering to existing protocols remains essential with vaccination, especially with a booster dose which remains extremely effective in preventing hospitalization and death.(PR/KG)