Coronavirus Jamaica – What you need to know.
Please see our Coronavirus Jamaica information below.
With Coronavirus, Jamaica has been affected like most countries by the tragic pandemic. The Jamaican government and tourist board have taken strict measures to protect against the spread of Coronavirus Jamaica and to ensure that tourists can still visit this Caribbean paradise, in safety and without fear. Jamaica reopened its borders for tourism on June 15 2020 and the island has now what officials have called an “extensive” set of operational protocols for health and safety. Most notably, travellers are being screened via temperature checks at the airport on arrival in Jamaica.
“With the help of international experts and a dedicated task force, we have developed protocols that allow us to safely reopen our borders,” said Donovan White, Jamaica’s Director of Tourism. “We are confident that as we restart our economy, Jamaicans will work together to ensure a safe, secure and seamless experience for our tourism workers, their families, and visitors, while preserving the authentic experiences travellers seek when they visit our shores.”
Green Castle Estate is arguably the safest place in Jamaica. It has also remained popular with tourists looking to escape Coronavirus. Jamaica established resilient corridors to provide tourists both domestically and internationally with a clear and safe area where they can stay and still enjoy the many benefits Jamaica has to offer. There have been no instances of Covid 19 by any guests at Greencastle during the pandemic.
Why is Green Castle in Jamaica safe for tourists to book their vacations?
At Greencastle we have prepared carefully for when we reopened in mid August 2020. This has resulted in creating a safe and hygienic environment for both staff and guests within our vast private 1600-acre estate complete with a tropical rainforest. Greencastle has distinct advantages that other locations and hotels do not have in Jamaica. At Greencastle we have limited the number of guests that can stay with us. We have 12 cottage rooms that can be booked for guests to enjoy on their trip to Jamaica. These cottage rooms range from single ensuite hotel rooms, to luxury double hotel rooms. Should guests wish to book for their family, friends, wedding or a corporate event, we are also able to offer the full villa or cottage for booking. By limiting the number of guests this helps reduce the potential risk of Coronavirus Jamaica, and helps ensure our guests peace of mind.
All rooms are on the ground floor, with access for guests from outside via a private entrance. Why is this important? By reducing the risk of high contact areas such as corridors and stair rails, guests are unlikely to ever risk being in the same vicinity or touching the same surfaces. Once again this helps protect against the transmission of Coronavirus Jamaica.
Our team at Greencastle clean all areas of the hotel, including all surfaces regularly. Our reception desks have been rearranged to allow for social distancing. You will see all our staff using protective equipment, such as masks in guest areas. Masks assist in reducing the potential spread of the virus for when guests and staff are talking together. Sanitiser is available for guests to use in public areas to ensure peace of mind. These are part of the stipulations for approved businesses by the Jamaica Tourist Board. Staff are temperature-checked on arrival for duty, daily. The property is regularly and thoroughly cleaned with disinfectant and includes high-touch surfaces such as door knobs and railings. All bed-linen and towels are washed in at least 60ºC/140ºF. Contactless Check in and Check out are made available to all guests. We keep all rooms vacant for 48 hours after guests have left us to further protect you. Thereafter we ensure that all surfaces are cleaned, sanitised and follow health professionals recommendations.
As a result of putting in place specific procedures relating to cleaning and ensuring guests safety, Greencastle has been granted special permission to open by the Jamaican tourist board.
Green Castle is also fortunate to be situated on a 1600 acre / 6.5km2 square kilometre eco estate. Our private estate is solely for the use of guests and staff. This means wherever you walk or hike to, you can enjoy the natural beauty free from any worries about Coronavirus Jamaica. Within our estate we have many hikes and trails you can enjoy. We have a couple of hikes and trails on our estate which are listed amongst the 10 best hikes in Jamaica. We have hikes and trails for all people to enjoy. With the various responses across the world, there has been a real surge in people focusing on their fitness. Whatever your fitness level there is a hike or trail on our estate for you to enjoy whilst improving your fitness. We also offer guided tours for bird watching on the Greencastle estate. With over 100 migratory birds, and 28 endemic Jamaican species to spot on your tour, you can relax and enjoy the tranquility of your surroundings whilst taking your photos without worrying about coronavirus Jamaica.
www.visitjamaica.com/travelauthorisation When you select GUESTHOUSES you will see the Greencastle business name which is Taino Hills Estate (Greencastle, St Mary). This demonstrates we are fully compliant with the Jamaica Tourist Board to take guests. Visit Jamaica also showcases the steps and procedures hotels have had to comply with to protect guests from Coronavirus Jamaica. The Jamaica Tourist board and the government introduced resilient corridors within Jamaica, to help ensure guests safety and peace of mind in relation to Coronavirus Jamaica. We have explained what the resilient corridors mean below.
What is the resilient corridor in Jamaica?
The resilient corridor term was created by the Jamaican authorities to show the approved businesses able to reopen during the Coronavirus pandemic. These lodging houses, such as Green Castle Estate Nature Lodge, must commit to providing a safe environment for tourists, with extensive cleaning systems implemented by the staff. Only businesses that have been trained and assessed are allowed to reopen for guests to stay. The Northern Resilient Corridor, which Green Castle eco hotel is part of stretches from Negril to Port Antonio.
What happens if you cannot visit Jamaica due to Covid 19?
If you contract Covid 19, or any of the people travelling with you contract Covid 19 before you fly to Jamaica, which results in you needing to cancel your flights or holiday, Greencastle has procedures in place to ensure you are protected. Our update to our cancellation policy is below and will be in place throughout the time the world is faced with Covid 19. In the event that you need to cancel due to the virus, please contact us as soon as possible.
Covid-19 Cancellation Policy Update
We provide a full refund less any bank transfer fee, up to seven days before arrival if due to Covid restrictions in originating country or in Jamaica. We provide a full credit if you cancel within seven days of arrival for a booking to be taken within two years. The Covid-19 Cancellation Policy relates only to accommodation and tours, as flights are not booked with or through Green Castle.
What happens if I contract Covid in Jamaica?
In the highly unlikely event that you contract Covid either on your journey to Jamaica, or whilst you are visiting Jamaica within the resilient corridor, Greencastle has your safety as our top priority. Greencastle offers guests the perfect opportunity to quarantine if they come into contact or contract Covid 19. On the rare chance this may happen, Greencastle has identified two rooms for people to isolate in, to protect partners, family or friends and other guests. Greencastle has access to medical facilities if required. As with all international travel please ensure you take out travel insurance beforehand. Our dedicated team will liaise with any medical personnel to ensure you get immediate attention from a professional if you feel unwell. There have been no instances of Covid 19 by any guests at Greencastle during the pandemic.
What are the requirements to enter Jamaica?
All entrants to Jamaica must fill out a pre travel health authorisation registration. This is in addition to the customs and immigration form. Currently residents from US, Brazil, Mexico and the Dominican Republic also need to supply a negative Covid test taken 9 days before they arrive in Jamaica. When these are submitted as part of the authorisation registration, the government will issue a travel approval document. Please print this before arriving at the airport, airlines will not accept any travellers to board flights without prior proof of authorisation.See Covid testing facilities and cost below.
Is it safe to fly to Jamaica during the Covid pandemic?
As long as you are careful and take precautions, it is safe to travel to Jamaica. If you are uncertain please contact your doctor or take medical advice but Airlines, the Jamaica Tourist Board and Green Castle have put in place stringent measures to protect guests against Coronavirus Jamaica. Airlines have restricted movement on planes and have implemented their own set of cleaning procedures to reduce the likelihood of further transmission. Masks are frequently required to be worn at all times on planes. At airports, passengers will be subject to temperature checks for peace of mind. Travelers will be required to show evidence of a recent test to ensure they do not have symptoms of Coronavirus, before they fly. These measures and more, implemented by the Jamaican Tourist Board and Greencastle, have been designed to ensure guests can still enjoy a relaxing vacation in Jamaica, without worrying about Coronavirus Jamaica.
Do I need to isolate or self-quarantine when I return from my Jamaica vacation to Green Castle.
There is ever-changing advice. We have identified the links below that will give you the latest information when you are returning;
COVID-19 TESTING at GREENCASTLE
Just 15 minutes from Greencastle- The testing office is in Annotto Bay for Antigen tests or 55 minutes away in Ocho Rios or Kingston for PCR Fit to fly tests. The Antigen Test result is available within one hour and the PCR tests maximum 72 hours.We can arrange transport. The date of the test must be within 72 hours of departure for international flights.
If we can be of any further help please Contact us.
Greencastle has gone to every length and will continue to do so to ensure guests are fully protected against coronavirus Jamaica. It has been an incredibly stressful year for all the world. The need to unwind, relax and improve one’s mental health is essential for all. Guests can entertain themselves on the Green Castle estate, such as relaxing by the pool, hammocks and palappa, enjoying the tropical sun whilst reading a book, or sipping on an ice cold red stripe beer or Jamaican rum punch.
Hearing the birdsong and seeing these beautiful birds in their natural habitat is incredibly soothing and rewarding. Green Castle can offer guided tours to give the best opportunity of seeing all the beautiful birds, such as the Streamertail, Potoo and Jamaican owl to name but a few. Guests can also visit the eco beach to enjoy a swim in the tropical Caribbean sea. If you wish to visit the Blue Mountains, Kingston or Ocho Rios, our team are happy to arrange a guided tour, or we can arrange transport to any destination you desire. This will be with experienced drivers who also will be following the Coronavirus Jamaica safety protocols. If you wish to hire your own vehicle, Greencastle has free parking on site. We look forward to seeing you on your vacation to Green Castle, Jamaica.
