Jamaica is planning to reopen its borders for tourism on June 15, and the island is now readying what officials are calling an “extensive” set of operational protocols for health and safety. 

Most notably, travelers to Jamaica will be screened via temperature checks at the airport. 

They will also receive symptom observation; if a temperature is elevated, the travelers will be subject to additional screening, including testing, according to the Jamaica Tourist Board. 

“Any visitor who exhibits symptoms or is ill will be subject to quarantine,” the JTB said. 

The protocols cover all aspects of a visit to the destination, covering the “lifecycle of prevention, detection and response.”

Jamaica has also said it is considering the north coast as a “resilient corridor,” with the aim of managing visitor movements in the country’s traditional tourism hubs. 

“Tourism is the lifeblood of our local economy, and with the help of international experts and a dedicated task force, we have developed protocols that allow us to safely reopen our borders,” said Donovan White, Jamaica’s Director of Tourism. “We are confident that as we restart our economy, Jamaicans will work together to ensure a safe, secure and seamless experience for our tourism workers, their families, and visitors, while preserving the authentic experiences travelers seek when they visit our shores.”

Jamaican officials say the protocols will be revisited every two weeks. 

As more is discovered about the virus including medical advancements or as the risk profile changes, Jamaica will make any necessary and appropriate revision to the protocols,” the JTB said. 

Many hotels in Jamaica are planning to reopen in time for the June 15 relaunch, from Sandals Resorts to Half Moon, all of which are incorporating their own extensive health and safety measures.

— CJ