Government says returning nationals account for a significant level of disobedience in following quarantine protocols that are aimed at suppressing the Covid -19 pandemic.
In this regard, the authorities have said they will be strengthening the protocols and Cabinet is expected to issue more stringent guidelines to address the matter.
Prime Minister Gaston Browne is cautioning residents not to become complacent and to abide by all the set guidelines, as reports are that persons continue to have parties and some are even engaged in sporting activities, some of which have been banned at this time.
This week, the Cabinet looked at the decision by other foreign governments “to impose a late-night curfew in order to reduce the nightlife partying which can be a major source of the spread.”
It was noted that those who are placed in self-quarantine upon their arrival, “have frequently disobeyed the conditions under which they were allowed to re-enter their homeland.”
Persons are required to undergo 14 days of quarantine or isolation following entry into Antigua and Barbuda with a COVID-19 negative certificate.
Health officials say that persons who are not showing any symptom of the virus-in other words are asymptomatic- may take a second COVID-19 PCR test within seven days, which could result in their being released if the second test is also negative.
According to officialdom, everyone who is undergoing quarantine or isolation should avoid contact with others in the household or in the quarantine facility being utilized by the government.
