The twin-island federation of St Kitts and Nevis is the latest Caribbean country to implement aggressive measures to stop the spread of the novel coronavirus. 

St Kitts and Nevis, which just confirmed its first cases of coronavirus, said it was closing its borders until April 7 “to protect our borders, citizens and residents.”

The border shutdown, which was set to take effect on March 25 at 11:59 PM, closes borders to all commercial airline flights until April 7.

That impacts both St Kitts’ Robert L Bradshaw International Airport and Nevis’ Vance W. Amory International Airport.

The move permits international air cargo and cargo by seafaring vessels to “maintain connectivity that enables the Federation to import needed commodities such as food, fuel, medical supplies and equipment,” according to a statement. 

St Kitts and Nevis’ Immigration, Customs, Coast Guard and the Royal St Christopher and Nevis Police Force will be enforcing all border controls. 

St Kitts and Nevis nationals and residents living overseas unable to return by the deadline “will need to remain offshore until the border closing is lifted,” the country’s government said. 

St Kitts and Nevis is the latest in a series of Caribbean destinations to shut down their borders for a period of time in a bid to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. 

The country has also launched a massive economic stimulus program to help the country get through the coronavirus effort.

“We look forward to welcoming everyone to our twin-island destination once again when this time of uncertainty is behind us,” the St Kitts Tourism Authority said in a message. “In the meantime, we ask all persons to stay informed about the latest news and developments relating to COVID-19 and to take all recommended precautions including everyday preventative actions to help stem the spread of the virus, including frequent handwashing and practicing social distancing.”

For more, visit St Kitts. 

— CJ