Over 150 Vincentians to be repatriated this week

Nineteen Vincentian students studying in Barbados will return home today, June 14 as part of the ongoing repatriation process amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

A release from the National Emergency Management Organisation said that these students are among more than 150 Vincentians who will be repatriated by sea and air to St Vincent and the Grenadines this week.“…59 crew members from Royal Caribbean Cruise Line (RCCL) and three from Disney Cruise Lines (DCL), will arrive at Port Kingstown tomorrow June 15,” the release said. “Crew members employed by the Norwegian Cruise Line company are scheduled to arrive later this week.”

It is expected that these nationals will be processed on arrival according to the established risk based repatriation protocols, aimed at minimizing any new introduction of COVID-19 to St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

NEMO’s release said that outstanding PCR results from the Caribbean Public Health Agency laboratory in the past week revealed no new positive COVID-19 cases.

To date, there have been a total of 27 recorded positive cases, two of which are still active.

“The Health Services Subcommittee is reminding the public that it is still very important to maintain the public health measures previously advised, which include hand hygiene, cough etiquette, physical distancing of at least 3-6 feet in public spaces where feasible, the smart use of masks and strict adherence to quarantine and isolation. These measures are even more critical as more Vincentians return home and intraregional travel increases,” the release said.