KINGSTON, Jamaica — Effective Friday, April 15, Jamaica will lift its pre-test mandate for entry into the country.

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

The announcement was made by Prime Minister Andrew Holness in a statement on Wednesday.

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

This follows the expiration of the measures which were implemented for the period March 18 to April 15, 2022 under the Public Health Enforcement Measures (Coronavirus COVID-19) Order 2022.

However, all other measures under the order will remain unchanged at this time. These include:

- A requirement for people who test positive for COVID-19 to isolate at their abode until they have recovered;

- Directions relating to the conduct of COVID-19 testing and the handling of samples and reports by private laboratories;

- Provisions to protect the identity of persons who test positive for COVID-19; and

- A requirement for owners or operators of businesses, places of worship, educational institutions or other establishments to which the public has access to ensure that handwashing stations, or hand sanitising equipment, are placed and maintained at the entrance of the premises as well as a requirement for people entering the premises to wash or otherwise sanitise their hands upon entry.

Meanwhile, Jamaicans are being reminded that while current case numbers are relatively low, the COVID-19 pandemic has not ended as new variants and sub-variants of the SARS-COV2 virus continue to emerge.

A number of countries are experiencing increases in case numbers arising from the spread of the BA.2 sub-variant of Omicron.

The public is therefore urged to continue to exercise caution and voluntarily observe the infection prevention and control measures including wearing masks in enclosed spaces to protect themselves as well as family members, particularly those who are most vulnerable.

The Government said it will continue to monitor the situation and respond as required through changes in the measures to preserve lives and livelihoods.