CDC RE-CLASSIFIES ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA AS LOW RISK FOR TRAVEL, WHICH IS WELCOME NEWS TO LOCAL TOURISM OFFICIALS

Once again, Antigua & Barbuda has been reclassified as “low risk” for travelers by the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC), as local COVID-19 cases continue to decline.

Active infections are currently under five.

The CDC has ranked this country at Level 1, its lowest tier, which means the risk of travellers contracting the virus here is very low and the rate of transmission is also low.

However, it is still recommending that travellers be fully vaccinated before travelling to countries with Level 1-risk status. 

Meanwhile, Ministry of Tourism officials are happy with the re-classification since it means that more tourists are likely to travel here, bringing a much-needed cash injection to the faltering industry.
 
Earlier this year, after Antigua & Barbuda’s active infections peaked above 400, the CDC placed it on a Category 4 alert, which is the highest risk level. It was later reduced to a Level 3, which is also classified as high risk.
 
The tourism sector throughout the Caribbean has been struggling since the start of the pandemic last year. Many countries had to close their borders in an effort to stave off the spread of the deadly virus, which has claimed millions of lives.