Tag: repatriation
57 Nationals Repatriated Aboard JetBlue Flight Out of JFK
JUNE 19, 2020 – WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Embassy of Grenada to the United States of America, in collaboration with our Ministry for Foreign Affairs is pleased to announce that it has been successful in repatriating 57 Nationals stranded in the United States due to COVID-19.
JetBlue Flight 8101 departed JFK International Airport today, June 19, 2020 at 8:00am and will arrive at the Maurice Bishop International Airport at approximately 1:05pm.
Ambassador Smith traveled to New York to see the Nationals off and deliver care packages containing masks, gloves, hand sanitizer, toiletries and snacks for the journey.
As communicated to Nationals on the Embassy’s COVID-19 Repatriation Database, this JetBlue flight is guided by the policies set forth by the Ministry of Health for a controlled re-entry process.
The Embassy has been working tirelessly to bring nationals home safely, in-keeping with the resources of the Ministry of Health to manage all possible threats – to those being repatriated, and their loved ones at home – from the dangerous and deadly Coronavirus (COVID-19) disease.
The borders are still closed, but Government is moving forward with a phased acceptance of stranded nationals. This approach provides Government with the necessary time to tighten protocols and continue building capacity in terms of testing equipment, contact tracing, and monitoring procedures in preparation for reopening.
On Tuesday, June 16, 2020, the Embassy of Grenada in collaboration with the Consulate General in Toronto, hosted a town hall for over 80 persons on the database to brief them on the protocols that will govern their repatriation.
All passengers on this JetBlue flight have agreed to comply with the protocols stipulated for their repatriation and have provided proof of having been tested for COVID-19 in the United States prior to boarding the flight.
They will be tested immediately upon arrival in Grenada and quarantined for a minimum of 2-4 days. Passengers are required to bear the cost of quarantine, but the Embassy was able to secure funding from The Shafik Gabr Foundation and Healing Wings International to cover the cost of testing in Grenada to total EC$240 per National.
While this is a huge win, the Embassy acknowledges that the number of Nationals on the COVID-19 Repatriation Database far exceeds those returning home on today’s flight, and stands ready to assist those still stranded abroad in any way possible.
COVID-19 Response Fund, Data Tracking, and Resources
Dear Nationals and Friends,
How are you holding up? I hope that you are safe and in good health as we continue to follow stay-at-home orders still in place in many of our states.
I extend heartfelt sympathies to those of you who have lost loved ones to COVID-19 or any other illness, and continue to offer up prayers for those bravely battling the virus at home or in hospital.
As you can appreciate, implementing any new initiatives will begin with gathering much-needed information from you.
A number of you have contacted our office seeking advice and assistance. The staff and I are trying to find ways to ensure your needs are met and your concerns are addressed during this time of uncertainty. Others have provided us with suggestions. We have taken them on board and passed them on to the authorities in Grenada. As you can appreciate, implementing any new initiatives will begin with gathering much-needed information from you.
Additionally, I plan to meet with the executives of the various diaspora associations to further explore ways in which we can be of support to you.
Let this pandemic bring out the best in us. Let us find ways to bless others during this crisis. Let us be thankful for the healthcare and other frontline workers. Remember, we are all in this together as we cautiously move ahead into what is sure to become our ‘new normal’.
Meanwhile, please continue to follow us on social media and visit the website for timely updates. We have addressed some of your frequently asked questions below and provided links to our current resources and initiatives.
Stay safe,
Ambassador Smith
FAQs
How are you tracking COVID-19 in the Diaspora?
If you are a Grenadian National in the Diaspora and you have tested positive for, or know of a Grenadian National in the Diaspora who has succumbed to coronavirus (COVID-19), please use this form to submit the requested information and assist the Ministry of Health in updating their records.
What do I do if I am stranded abroad?
If you are a Grenadian National stranded abroad during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic due to local and/or international travel restrictions, please us this form to be added to a database to receive up-to-date, official information on repatriation as it becomes available.
Where can I find the latest information on COVID-19 from Grenada?
Click here to visit the Facebook Page of the Ministry of Health for the latest updates on the coronavirus (COVID-19) from Grenada.
How can I donate to COVID-19 relief for Grenada?
In response to your request, and to further streamline the procurement process of Personal Protective Equipment and other supplies, the Government of Grenada has developed the COVID-19 Response Support fund. The fund gives Grenadians, Friends of Grenada and organizations the opportunity to support and partner with the Government, through donations, in the fight against COVID-19.
COVID-19 Response Fund
Grenada Co-Operative Bank | Account # 413000849
Is the Embassy open?
Effective March 31, 2020, due to Stay-at-Home Orders related to COVID-19, our office is closed, and all staff are teleworking where possible.
During this time, staff will still be able to receive and respond to email. There may be a delay in responses as all personnel are working from home, on irregular schedules. There will be no one available to answer the phones but please leave a voicemail if you do not have access to email.