The Cabinet is allowing several items that will help in the fight against the Zika Virus, to be imported free of duties and other taxes.
These are mosquito screens, coils and repellents as well as bed nets.
There are no suspected or confirmed cases of Zika Virus in Antigua and Barbuda but the Cabinet says its lowering the cost of what it calls mosquito defensive systems so that all homeowners can afford the devices and materials.
The Cabinet says travelers from countries where the disease has been diagnosed pose a threat to Antigua and Barbuda’s national security.
And yesterday Liat CEO David Evans was among several officials who went to the Cabinet meeting to tell the Ministers what is being done to keep Zika out of the country.
According to a press release, the Liat officials said they have been in touch with Jet Blue Airlines and are following the policy choices announced by that carrier. Jet Blue is offering full refunds to pregnant women who prefer not to travel to places where the virus has been confirmed.
During the Cabinet meeting Prime Minister Gaston Browne said the fight against Zika requires all hands on board.
He told government officials they need to quickly implement the measures identified. These include removing derelict vehicles from across the island and demolishing abandoned buildings.
In turn the Cabinet heard work has begun and all school principals will hold a meeting early next week to improve on the plans for defending against the mosquito virus at their at the institutions, in order to lessen the chance of mosquitoes biting students and staff on the compounds.(The Daily Observer)
