Based on the new recommendations announced recently by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), U.S. travellers who test positive for COVID-19 in Jamaica can now exit isolation after five days provided that the person is asymptomatic or has had mild symptoms that are resolving (as per physician’s evaluation).

The isolation period begins the day after the positive test is taken. For individuals who remain symptomatic after five days, the 10-day quarantine period must be completed.

Furthermore, the Jamaican Ministry of Health and Wellness has said that all travellers exiting Jamaica may now be permitted to escape isolation, according to the restrictions of their country of destination and airline, as long as they travel directly from isolation to their aircraft.

These visitors would have to follow transit and airport rules in order to avoid exposing themselves to other passengers, personnel, or the general public.

In a news release, the Hon. Edmund Bartlett, minister of tourism, said, “We are extremely delighted to be able to give U.S. visitors who test positive while on the island the chance of a reduced isolation time in conformity with the revised CDC standards.” “Jamaica is open for business, and our comprehensive ‘Jamaica CARES’ programme continues to welcome guests securely.”

The “Jamaica CARES” initiative is a national reaction to COVID-19 that includes health and safety procedures as well as “Resilient Corridors,” which span more than 80% of the island’s tourism sector. These measures were among the first to be recognised by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) as “Safe Travels,” allowing the destination to reopen to the public in June 2020.