KINGSTON, Jamaica— Opposition Spokesman on Health and Wellness, Dr Morais Guy, says the People’s National Party (PNP) is opposed to removing the COVID-19 pre-test requirement for travellers entering Jamaica.

He added that the Opposition would not support the relaxation of the indoor mask-wearing requirement, which, he said, the government does not intend to extend beyond its next expiry date of April 15, 2022.

“It is unwise for the government to adopt such a stance as there is a continued risk from the COVID-19 Omicron sub-variant BA2, which persists in some jurisdictions from where Jamaica gets the majority of its visitors,” Dr Guy said.

“Several countries are still facing an Omicron wave and removing the pre-test requirement for entry into Jamaica is ill-advised and reckless,” he added.

Guy said while the cost of the pre-test could be a factor, the country only requires the inexpensive Antigen Test to satisfy the protocol requirement.

“The government should reconsider its current approach to mask-wearing and the pre-test requirement for travel. Furthermore, with only 24 per cent of the population vaccinated, the new policy would directly threaten our seniors, who are predisposed to complications from COVID-19 due to the high likelihood of comorbidities,” the opposition spokesman said.

“Instead of relaxing the requirements, the government should mandate that mask-wearing be maintained and enforced for indoor spaces, such as schools, businesses, places of worship and entertainment”.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness announced in a statement on Wednesday that effective Friday, April 15 Jamaica will lift its pre-test mandate for entry into the country.

READ: Jamaica to lift COVID-19 travel pre-test, mask mandates

Currently, people travelling to Jamaica must present a negative COVID-19 test at least three days before their arrival.

Holness also announced that people in enclosed public spaces will no longer be required to wear a mask.