In a major milestone for the wider Caribbean region, the island of Nevis says it is “free” of the coronavirus. 

The announcement comes after the island, which has a population of around 12,000 people, launched a series of aggressive measures to prevent the spread of the virus. 

It’s another strong sign for the region, following a similar revelation by the island of Anguilla at the end of last month.

Indeed, there were no active cases of the virus in Nevis on Sunday night – nor were there any tests pending, according to a statement from Nevis Premier Mark Brantley, who has been an active, inspiring presence for locals during the lockdown.

According to Brantley, the island had seen four confirmed cases, all of which had recovered. 

Nevis is part of the twin-island federation of St Kitts and Nevis, which continues to keep its borders closed, following a decision by the federation on March 25 — one that included requiring nationals and residents overseas to remain offshore. 

“It was a bold move by the destination that is serious about containing the spread of coronavirus, but it seems to have paid off,” the island’s tourism authority said in a statement. 

Nevis had also launched an app, Nevis Health, designed to help track cases on the island.

For its part, the larger island of St Kitts has been equally aggressive, with just a handful of active cases remaining on that island.

“The decision to close our borders did not come without serious consideration as tourism is hugely important to Nevis, however, our highest priority is the health and well-being of our people. This has paid off and we are now Covid free. We wish the best for all those interested in Nevis and we hope to see you when we can finally accept visitors again.”

While it’s not yet clear when Nevis or any other Caribbean country will begin to open their borders to tourists, the move is of course a significant step. 

The post The Island of Nevis Says It Is Coronavirus Free appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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Air France has begun implementing temperature checks prior to departure on all of its flights, the airline announced. 

The “systematic” checks will be carried out with infrafred thermometers, according to a statement from the company. 

A body temperature below 38 degrees Celsius (100.4F) will be required to travel. 

Customers whose temperature exceeds that number “may be denied boarding,” the company said, and their reservations will be changed at no extra charge to a flight on a later date. 

Air France will also require masks for all passengers and crew. 

“Air France reminds passengers that the health and safety of its customers and staff is an absolute priority,” Air France said in a statement. “All the airline’s teams are fully mobilized to ensure the highest levels of health and safety for its customers and to ensure they travel in complete confidence.”

Air France is the latest airline to implement such measures (Frontier Airlines was the first American carrier to do so), reflecting the new “normal” of air travel — at least for the time being. 

— CJ

The post Air France to Require Temperature Checks appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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The latest Caribbean Photo comes from Caribbean Journal reader Mikael Doumeng, who sent in this lovely shot of the Bolongo Bay Beach Resort in St Thomas in the US Virgin Islands.

Have you taken a great photo in the Caribbean?

Send it to news@caribjournal.com with CPOTW in the subject line, including your first and last name and the location of the photo.

It could be the next Caribbean Photo of the Week!

— CJ

The post Caribbean Photo of the Week: Bolongo Bay, St Thomas appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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After the rain has come and gone, there’s a rainbow. 

Here off the coast of Grand Case in St Martin, it’s a symbol of what’s to come, of the days when we’ll be traveling again — hopefully soon. 

The latest Caribbean Moment takes you to an afternoon on the water in St Martin — a glimpse at the past – and of the future. 

Take a virtual vacation to St Martin in the latest Caribbean Moment below.

— CJ

The post Caribbean Moment: A Rainbow Over St Martin appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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