Published 26 June 2020
Buckie Got It, St. Kitts and Nevis News Source
BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – ALL citizens and residents of St. Kitts and Nevis who are desirous of returning to the Federation during this period of the COVID-19 epidemic, will be quarantined for a number of days and will be required to pay a fee for the duration.
This information was revealed by Chief Medical Officer Dr. Hazel Laws during yesterday’s (June 24) National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) Media Brief.
She disclosed that a US$500 fee would have to be paid by all persons returning to the islands, who would also have to adhere to the mandatory 14-day quarantine.
In explaining the process for citizens and residents seeking to rerun home, the CMO stated that a letter or an email of application must be sent to the Chief Executive Officer of SCASPA with the request and details of the charter.
According to Dr. Laws, once that was sent and approval granted, the individual would be placed in a government facility.She disclosed that the facility is located in Fortlands.
“There is a cost attached to this accommodation. You will be in quarantine for 14 days and the cost for that duration is US$500,” added Dr. Laws.According to the CMO, the fee would cover the cost for accommodation and a number of health-related gears as well as tests.
“The cost is US$500. Now part of that fee goes to Next Generation Lab for processing the sample. However, the rest covers the cost for the personal protective gears that must be worn by the health professionals to take the sample, and then the sampling requires the use of a swab and a viral transport media. And so the fee covers the entire cost of sampling.”
Even though the fee covers accommodation, those in quarantine will have to provide their own meals and undertake laundry service. However, family members are welcomed to assist, Dr. Laws noted.
“Please note your local relatives are welcomed and are encouraged to assist you with your meals and your laundry. Now, the Public Health team will monitor you during the 14-day period to ensure that you are not experiencing any of the COVID-like symptoms.”
