Thousands of tourists are due to begin arriving in Jamaica on Tuesday as the country gradually moves to reopen amid the coronavirus outbreak.
The minister of health and wellness, Dr. Christopher Tufton, announced that after Tuesday, all tourists and Jamaicans will be tested for the coronavirus so they can better understand and manage the risk profile of people, especially visitors.
The government initially said tourists will only submit to voluntary testing.
Jamaican Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett said dozens of flights carrying 5,000 to 6,000 visitors are expected to arrive in Jamaica beginning Tuesday through the end of the month.
Bartlett also said the government has launched a resilient zone that aims to help authorities manage the movement of tourists traveling between the most popular destinations, from Negril through Port Antonio on the north end of the island.
Jamaican officials are still urging everyone on the island to practice social distancing and wear masks to reduce the risk of infection.
So far, Jamaica has confirmed more than 600 coronavirus cases and at least 10 deaths.
