After approximately two year, from yesterday, March 16, the wearing of a mask was optional.
The Cabinet decided to relax the COVID management measure based on the country’s positive epidemiological situation and low number of new infections.
Sighs of relief was what we heard from many persons we have encountered since the mandate was lifted.
And while many are happy that they have the option to wear or not to wear, this decision is not sitting well with many individuals who believe it may be a bit too soon to let our guards down.
But according to the government, the risk of contracting COVID-19 is minimal at the moment.
This was one of the last COVID restrictions to be lifted as the country returns to some semblance of normalcy.
Antiguan Trumpet reached out to a civilian who was seen walking without the use of a mask, in response to how she feels about this change the lady expressed, “I heard over the radio that the government says that we have a choice to use or not to use the mask. When I heard that I lifted my hands in my room and said thank you Jesus.”
The satisfied woman added that there were times she would feel breathless after walking throughout town in the sun, therefore in having this change to the policy she was able to return to “normal and breath better.”
Meanwhile as of yesterday, unvaccinated residents are allowed to return to the country but must show proof of a negative COVID-19 test and subject themselves to a period of quarantine.
