In light of the newest COVID-19 cases identified via contact tracing which appeared in Barbados announced early October

• Whereas under current protocols we risk that 9-33% of those who contract Covid-19 between their first and second test will not be detected, and will be able to interact with and spread to our population (BAMP, 2020)
• Whereas Barbados is a nation of people who worked hard to eliminate COVID-19
• Whereas our government has stated its commitment to following science and medical professionals

We urge the government to follow at a minimum the well thought out Barbados Association of Medical Practitioners (BAMP) suggested Protocols for Covid-19, released 28 Sept 2020 and updated 3 Nov 2020.

These include, but are not limited to: travelers from High to Medium Risk countries must indicate and arrange on arrival for a second test 5 - 7 days after their arrival; failure to present for a second test or comply with quarantine prior should be an offence; and travelers refusing a second test should be quarantined for a full 14 days.

We also hope the government increases the transparency with which decisions around protocols are carried out.

What about the economy?
Our economy is highly reliant on tourism; yet we will be in a much worse situation if we undergo more lockdowns. We applaud the government’s efforts to enable longer stay visitors such as with the Welcome Stamp. We welcome doubling down on attracting longer term tourism; as well as the government’s plans to retrain and diversify our economy in fields such as agriculture, renewable energy and technology. 

We stand in sadness and solidarity with all those whose livelihoods are at risk due to this pandemic and welcome creative solutions which keep us all safe. 

It is not worth losing a single life more. Seven lives is already too many when we have the power and information to stop this in its tracks at our borders. #FixTheProtocols