Thomas C. Famous. Photo: Provided

Vaccination uptake varies in the Caribbean. Photo: Provided

As a prime example, in Paris, France persons cannot dine indoors unless they have proof of vaccination or a recent negative test.

Canada has mandated that they will now only accept vaccinated visitors into their country.

Small islands, big challenges

In the Overseas Territories (OTs), we too have had to put in mandates.

With varying vaccination levels varying from  30 per cent in Montserrat, to 75 per cent in the Cayman Islands, the OTs are ahead of most other Caribbean islands in immunisation rates.

However, even with relatively high vaccination rates, there have been recent outbreaks in the OTs.

Therefore, respective governments have had to implement somewhat unpopular measures in order to stem the tide of infections.

These measures differ from island to island:

• some have nighttime curfews
• some have restrictions on who can enter the island.
• some have restrictions on indoor events and dining

Island hopping

Here is a quick glance of the key mitigation measures employed in each island.

Anguilla

• 60 percent of population immunised
• Only vaccinated visitors allowed
• No Curfew

Bermuda

• 65 per cent of the population immunised

• Non immunized travelers must quarantine for 14 days

• Confirmation of vaccination or negative test required for indoor dining or events
• No Curfew

Cayman Islands

• 70 per cent of the population immunised
• No visitors allowed until October
• No Curfew

Montserrat

• 30 per cent of the population immunised

Turks and Caicos Islands

• 60 of population immunised

• Only vaccinated visitors allowed
• Non vaccinated locals must quarantine for seven days

• Only vaccinated locals allowed in bars and restaurants
• All Work Permit holders must be vaccinated

• Curfew 1am-5am

Virgin Islands

• 45 per cent of population is immunised.

• Non-immunised persons must quarantine for seven days
• Curfew 11 pm to 5 a.m

Living with Covid-19

The unfortunate reality is that in order to prevent; mass hospitalization, deaths, and potential lockdowns, these mandates have to be adhered to.

Each of the islands has large proportions of their population who are dependant on the tourism industry.

With rising numbers of persons being infected with Covid-19 it has a domino effect on visitor bookings.

Subsequently, lower tourist arrivals equate to lower economic activity.

This in turn leads to governments having to subsidize the living costs of those hospitality workers now displaced.

Then there comes the knock-on effect on government surpluses, if any, and potential increases in taxes.

Suffice it to say that we are not getting rid of Covid-19 anytime soon.

Each government, following science, will put in place the mandates that are needed. It is incumbent on both visitors and locals to adhere to them.

It truly is a matter of life over death.