Response from Travel Support Team, visitjamaica.com

I asked a question about the protocol for non-residents staying in the resilient corridor in an approved hotel who did not test positive for the virus. Here is the answer and the question I asked which follows (This is from visitjamaica.com and the Jamaica Tourist Board)):


Dear Robert Eyermann:

Thank you for contacting the Jamaica Tourist Board.

Travellers staying at an approved resort within the resilient corridor are encouraged to enjoy the attractions and amenities of the resort. They are now required to stay on property. This is a change in what was previously a stay in zone oder. The government of Jamaica recently made the change.
We are sorry for any inconvenience this may cause.
Please do not reply to this email. Click here if you need further assistance with this support request or visit http://www.visitjamaica.com/travelauthorization for more information.
We trust that this information was helpful and we look forward to welcoming you to our beautiful island.

Support request:

There is some confusion about what non-resident visitors who are staying in the resilient corridor are permitted to do. If I am not from the high risk states and do not have symptoms, so I don't require a test, do I then have to stay in my Covid-19 approved resort, for the duration of my visit to Jamaica? Are approved bars and restaurants able to be visited or am I to remain at my hotel for my entire trip?
One Love
Markland Campbell
Travel Support Team

Well that seems pretty definite. Even though White Sands is small, I've already made my mind up to still come down and just stay on property if this is still the case in November (still much better than Buffalo... lol). Just means more tips for the WS crew!! ;)

They still did not reply on how you can eat if your resort does not have a restaurant......

Any Likkle Ting U Need can deliver just about anything available in Negril.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by ukran1ans

Well that seems pretty definite. Even though White Sands is small, I've already made my mind up to still come down and just stay on property if this is still the case in November (still much better than Buffalo... lol). Just means more tips for the WS crew!! ;)

---

I’m still so torn about going in September. 9 days is a long time to stay in one small resort even though we have a pool, beach and restaurant. At least I’ll get a great tan out of it lol.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by BethAnn38

I’m still so torn about going in September. 9 days is a long time to stay in one small resort even though we have a pool, beach and restaurant. At least I’ll get a great tan out of it lol.

---

Well it's not like you have alot of options if you want to get away (at least I don't in NYS with most of the US states on the quarantine list for NY)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Barb111

They still did not reply on how you can eat if your resort does not have a restaurant......

---

The government expects that you will have to eat. Hopefully, someone in Jamaica who is following the protocols have some insight. I know that some restaurants will deliver. Maureen Miniter has a delivery service - Any Likkle Ting U Need - and will deliver almost anything. She has a Facebook Page for more information.

Meanwhile, I will try to find the answer to this question.

Thanks. ��

Sad to say I’ve decided to defer my trip till February for a wedding anniversary/50th birthday celebration. Renting a house in Cape Cod by the beach in September instead. I’m so sad but we wouldn’t have been able to visit our family’s house or see the land we purchased. Plus the issues with my 3 year old keeping a mask on. Hoping by February things calm down. Plane tickets are surprisingly reasonable.

I go the end of September and if I have to stay within my hotel for a few days thats okay, but really thinking of reconsidering if this extends throughout October. I am not doing a AI and do not want to do delivery for my food. Part of my vacation is visiting different restaurants. This really puts a damper on my plans and takes the excitement out of vacation. Fingers crossed!

And now, split stays are not allowed either. Many split between cliffs and beach....

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Barb111

They still did not reply on how you can eat if your resort does not have a restaurant......

---

Here is the emailed response to my query regarding staying at a hotel without a restaurant/bar. Basically, they said that the situation is fluid; but, right now we should try to stay at accommodations with facilities that meet our needs:

Dear Robert Eyermann,

Thank you for contacting the Jamaica Tourist Board.

At this time the Government of Jamaica has made it a requirement for persons to observe the "stay on property" measure. This has been implemented to ensure the safety of everyone present and arriving to our beautiful island.

We suggest that in an effort to comply with the requirements of the Jamaican Government, please select a property with the facilities needed for the duration of your stay.

Regrettably, we are not in a position to adjust the requirements set by the Jamaican Government. The situation with COVID remains fluid and the safety of persons will continue to be a priority.

Please let us know if you have any further questions.

Please do not reply to this email. Click here if you need further assistance with this support request or visit http://www.visitjamaica.com/travelauthorization for more information.

We trust that this information was helpful and we look forward to welcoming you to our beautiful island.

Support request:

Some of my friends who have reservations at accommodations which do not have a bar or restaurant are wondering how they will be able to get food and drink if they cannot leave their resort for the duration of their trip. I appreciate your response.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Barb111

And now, split stays are not allowed either. Many split between cliffs and beach....

---

Well crap! We were excited to try Westender for 3 days before moving on to White Sands! I'm about ready to say screw it for the second time this year and just stay home

It definitely is different than what people were expecting, but fluidity is needed during a pandemic. I am hoping these new changes will be revisited soon.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by gregandkelly63

Well crap! We were excited to try Westender for 3 days before moving on to White Sands! I'm about ready to say screw it for the second time this year and just stay home

---

I get it. We came back on February 10, 2020; had the Influenza A for 2 weeks (yes, we had flu shots); Covid began shortly after; we canceled a June reach with our Granddaughter; and, now, we are iffy about our December long reach. Hopefully, things will improve.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Weathermon & Mi Lady

I get it. We came back on February 10, 2020; had the Influenza A for 2 weeks (yes, we had flu shots); Covid began shortly after; we canceled a June reach with our Granddaughter; and, now, we are iffy about our December long reach. Hopefully, things will improve.

---

Actually, I don't get it. I have 2 weeks of vacation to use by the end of the year that I'll lose. Do I either a) waste it sitting around in Buffalo b) take an expensive vacation in the winter to somewhere cold in New England (the only area New Yorkers can go with the current Quarantine rules) c) sit on the same beach for 2 weeks in 80 degree weather eating and drinking what I want ... hmmm... such a tough decision... lol.

Don't get me wrong, I will miss the night life and reggae bands down the beach and great food in the cliffs if these rules still apply in Nov/Dec but it's still a no-brainer. I think people are too hung up with what they could get and do in the 'old normal'... not appreciating what they can get and do in the 'new normal'... and who's to say that 'the new normal' won't continue for a few years to come?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by ukran1ans

Actually, I don't get it. I have 2 weeks of vacation to use by the end of the year that I'll lose. Do I either a) waste it sitting around in Buffalo b) take an expensive vacation in the winter to somewhere cold in New England (the only area New Yorkers can go with the current Quarantine rules) c) sit on the same beach for 2 weeks in 80 degree weather eating and drinking what I want ... hmmm... such a tough decision... lol.

Don't get me wrong, I will miss the night life and reggae bands down the beach and great food in the cliffs if these rules still apply in Nov/Dec but it's still a no-brainer. I think people are too hung up with what they could get and do in the 'old normal'... not appreciating what they can get and do in the 'new normal'... and who's to say that 'the new normal' won't continue for a few years to come?

---

I am not promoting breaking any laws or rules but... For years and years, I have been living on and off in rural Jamaica in non-approved Guesthouses, riding with friends in White Plate taxis and (more or less) living like a local. This time, I am going to stay at a place where they tell me they are approved and will take my temperature every day for the government.
I am just fine with that but.... when I want to go out to eat or anywhere in the zone, I am going to go. Simple as that. I will wear a mask always and social distance as much as possible.

I am going for about 5 weeks. Will I stay in the same place the whole time? Probably not but I will continue to follow the mask and social distancing rules.

I am not going to let these "shifting sands" rules and regulations that are so mercurial influence my plans for Oct and Nov. I will go and do my best to be a good visitor there as I am a good citizen here in So. Florida even though that doesn't appear to be the norm.

It seems to me that if you want to go...then go. If you are wobbling around and indecisive then wait until it is perfectly safe...if that is ever going to happen again.

I am not promoting any discord only saying my opinion and what are my plans. I hope everyone makes the best decision for themselves as possible.

Peace and Guidance

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by ukran1ans

Actually, I don't get it. I have 2 weeks of vacation to use by the end of the year that I'll lose. Do I either a) waste it sitting around in Buffalo b) take an expensive vacation in the winter to somewhere cold in New England (the only area New Yorkers can go with the current Quarantine rules) c) sit on the same beach for 2 weeks in 80 degree weather eating and drinking what I want ... hmmm... such a tough decision... lol.

Don't get me wrong, I will miss the night life and reggae bands down the beach and great food in the cliffs if these rules still apply in Nov/Dec but it's still a no-brainer. I think people are too hung up with what they could get and do in the 'old normal'... not appreciating what they can get and do in the 'new normal'... and who's to say that 'the new normal' won't continue for a few years to come?

---

I pulled the trigger Sunday for November and unless the countries shut down we are coming. We love Fun holiday and if we can't do anything else no big deal. Some times we walk in the water for our exercise we can do that! We already had our April reach cancelled so unless we can't fly there we will be taking our 60th bday and 36th anniversary trip.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Celinda

I pulled the trigger Sunday for November and unless the countries shut down we are coming. We love Fun holiday and if we can't do anything else no big deal. Some times we walk in the water for our exercise we can do that! We already had our April reach cancelled so unless we can't fly there we will be taking our 60th bday and 36th anniversary trip.

---

I love the attitude!!

We booked for Jan 2021 today. If travel between the 2 countries is allowed, Catcha will definitely be better than West Virginia in January. If we are "stuck" on the property I'm sure we will survive that hardship....if travel is not allowed cancellation policies on our booking allow enough room to not feel jammed up. 5 months is a long time and the situation will change, for better or worse.

Well this is new.
Attachment 55191

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Accompong

I am not promoting any discord only saying my opinion and what are my plans. I hope everyone makes the best decision for themselves as possible.

---

I understand what you are saying, but your home state of Florida is in the midst of a disaster precisely because people are making their best decisions for themselves. It's way past time for us all to start making decisions based on what's best for others. The issue is not whether you'll get it, it's whether you'll be a carrier.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by wrtiii

I understand what you are saying, but your home state of Florida is in the midst of a disaster precisely because people are making their best decisions for themselves. It's way past time for us all to start making decisions based on what's best for others. The issue is not whether you'll get it, it's whether you'll be a carrier.

---

Sorry, but if I had to make a decision on whether to travel to Jamaica based on what is best for others when I test negative, been in self-contained quarantine and following guidelines then I would never go anywhere ever. What is the best decision for me is going to be a good decision for all the people who want and need my money and will appreciate all the effort I make to keep myself and them safe as well as testing negative.

I may live in Florida but where you live is just as dangerous if you and those around you don't follow strict adherence to wearing a mask, socially distance and get tested. Lumping me into the pandemic problem just because of where I live isn't a fair representation just like assuming everyone in Utah is a Mormon.

I will do everything to assure I am not a carrier of anything but money to spend or I simply won't go at all.

I appreciate your point and where you are coming from making it. No problem.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by wrtiii

I understand what you are saying, but your home state of Florida is in the midst of a disaster precisely because people are making their best decisions for themselves. It's way past time for us all to start making decisions based on what's best for others. The issue is not whether you'll get it, it's whether you'll be a carrier.

---

Great post, this is exactly the kind of thinking we need here in the USA. Time for us to sacrifice our "rights" for the greater good. Wearing a mask is not a loss of freedom, it's your commitment to helping keep all of us safe. Ask what you can do...

So when it says "stay on property" does that mean you can not even walk/run the beach? One of the main reasons I go to Jamaica is to enjoy long walks 2-3 times per day. Most times we don't stop just walk.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by mjc12771

So when it says "stay on property" does that mean you can not even walk/run the beach? One of the main reasons I go to Jamaica is to enjoy long walks 2-3 times per day. Most times we don't stop just walk.

---

This quote is copied from visitjamaica.com "Types of Restricted Measures:

"Stay in zone
This measure applies only for tourist visitors who are staying in the “resilient corridor” designated for tourism purposes. Under this measure, persons are required to remain at their hotel/resort within the corridor for the duration of their stay."

It appears that you would not be in compliance by taking long walks on the beach or road.

We will have to watch closely and see what happens.Suppose to be there Nov.18-28 but have to cancel by oct.18th to get a refund so playing this game by ear.