GUIDELINES FOR TOURISTS

As Jamaica prepares to open its borders to tourists, below are guidelines from the Ministry of Health and Wellness.

All hotel rooms for the accommodation of guests should meet public-health requirements in regard to safety and sanitation.

Areas of concern include but are not limited to:

• Guest restrooms – these should be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected daily with accompanying cleaning schedule and checklist to verify same.

• Hard surfaces and countertops – these are areas where pathogens can remain for hours, possibly days. They should be cleaned and sanitised daily.

• Bed linen – should be changed daily; towels and toiletries replenished as required.

• Doorknobs, rails, and grilles should also receive special attention for cleaning and sanitisation.

• Housekeeping: staff should be trained and fully sensitised about risks for COVID-19 transmission, including identifying and reporting guests who are unwell, as well as proper cleaning and disinfection practices.

WATERSPORT AND OTHER ACTIVITIES

General watersport and other water activities are generally low-risk for COVID-19 transmission provided that the necessary protocols for social distancing, public gathering, and disinfection measures for recreational water are maintained.

SNORKELLING AND SCUBA DIVING

Snorkelling and scuba diving require the use of specialised equipment that makes close contact with the mouth and face of the user. This equipment can be a source of COVID-19 transmission if the guidelines governing their use, cleaning, and disinfection are not applied. Consequently, all watersport activity involving the use of specialised equipment that makes close contact with the user’s body must be thoroughly cleaned, disinfected and maintained according to established disinfection procedures.