An article published Friday in Antigua Newsroom quoted Hon. Minister Melford Nicholas as saying the government was not ruling out “deporting” visitors that failed to wear face masks in restaurants [among other places]
Media and Travel Platforms as well as Social Media lit up with messages sent to tour operators, airlines, and hotel operators, chastising the comment as “shallow, insensitive, and barbaric”. The comments rattled Twitter from a number of would-be Antigua visitors, ranging from individual comments to American Airlines becoming involved after being tagged in a number of posts, commenting, “American Airlines would never internationally transport our passengers into harm’s way, but every country is able to set their own rules and regulations, irrespective of how shallow or impactful they are on their visitors. You can be assured we will reach out to the Government of Antigua at the VB [sic] Bird International Airport and will post and update. Thank you for bringing it to our attention.”
The comments online centered not around the need to wear masks, but rather Melfords comments that they must be worn in “restaurants” and the fact that the government may actually “deport” tourists who are not wearing masks. The WHO (World Health Organization) has been clear on its guidance surrounding outdoor activities, outdoor dining and the wearing of facemasks whenever social distancing is not possible.
Additionally, the ADA (Americans with Disabilities) and other human rights organizations jumped on board through social media indicating that there are people with health issues that prevent them from wearing masks.
The ADA cites many examples of people that would not be able to wear facemasks safely including:
- Individuals with respiratory disabilities such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or cystic fibrosis may not be able to wear a face mask because of difficulty in or impaired breathing. People with respiratory disabilities should consult their own medical professionals for advice about using face masks. The CDC also states that anyone who has trouble breathing should not wear a face mask.
- People with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), severe anxiety, or claustrophobia (an abnormal fear of being in enclosed or narrow places), may feel afraid or terrified when wearing a face mask. These individuals may not be able to stay calm or function when wearing a face mask.
- Some people with autism are sensitive to touch and texture. Covering the nose and mouth with fabric can cause sensory overload, feelings of panic, and extreme anxiety.
- A person who has cerebral palsy may have difficulty moving the small muscles in the hands, wrists, or fingers. Due to their limited mobility, they may not be able to tie the strings or put the elastic loops of a face mask over the ears. This means that the individual may not be able to put on or remove a face mask without assistance.
- A person who uses mouth control devices such as a sip and puff to operate a wheelchair or assistive technology, or uses their mouth or tongue to use assistive ventilators will be unable to wear a mask.
According to several online newswire services they stated them “The ADA [Americans with Disabilities] emergency hotline said they would be in touch with the Government of Antigua and Barbuda the first of the week and would get to the bottom of the comments.”
There were also comments in a number of places that referred to the Hawaii facemask requirement on an excursion when after a snorkeler exited the water, climbed aboard the boat only to asphyxiate after donning an N95 mask.
There was also an indication that an inquiry was made with the, US State Department asking for clarification of the comments as asking if Antigua is a safe place for American Tourists considering the government is considering “deportation of American Tourists”
This story will be updated as more information becomes available.
