The Government of Barbados has delisted Sandals Barbados Resort and Spa as a designated quarantine hotel, effective January 5, 2021.
The Ministry of Health in a statement revealed that action was taken after “several verified complaints of breaches of the COVID-19 protocols taking place at the resort with respect to visitors in quarantine.”
The statement also said that the police have held for questioning, at least three tourists in relation to alleged breaches of COVID-19 protocols related to quarantine.
“The Ministry of Health and Wellness takes the issue of breaches of the COVID-19 protocols very seriously and will take similar action if other designated quarantine hotels and villas refuse to uphold the rules and regulations that have been put in place to protect workers in the hotel sector, and by extension the rest of the country.”
Earlier this week, Health Minister Lt. Col. Jeffrey Bostic warned that authorities would take firm action against any businesses or individuals who breached protocols.
However, in a statement to Barbados Today, Sandals Resorts International hit back at the stance taken by the Health Ministry and refuted allegations of repeated breaches.
Sandals has also accused public health officials of “heavy-handed action” in the middle of dialogue between the hotel and the Ministry of Health.
The five-star property is also contesting an “implication” from authorities that three tourists currently in police custody regarding protocol breaches are in any way associated with its guests.
CMC
