PM Gaston Browne says about 25 Air Peace passengers will still travel to Antigua and Barbuda. The passengers will arrive from Barbados after flying from Nigeria.

The Prime Minister addressed the issue while discussing Ebola concerns in parts of Africa. However, he stressed that the government continues to take a cautious approach.

Browne confirmed that the passengers will continue to Antigua despite route changes. He explained that the new arrangement now includes a stop in Barbados.

“Even though they’re landing in Barbados, about 25 of them will come here,” Browne said.

Health authorities will closely monitor all arriving passengers. In addition, officials will screen travelers upon arrival in Antigua and Barbuda.

“What we will do, though, is to make sure that they’re properly screened as best we can,” Browne said.

The government also plans to restore stronger public health measures. These measures include infrared thermal scanners at V.C. Bird International Airport.

Officials will also use health protocols introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic. Browne said the country is returning to parts of that framework.

“We’re putting new health protocols in place, going back to the COVID framework,” Browne said.

The government has also reactivated the Infectious Disease Centre. Officials want to prepare for any possible health emergency involving arriving passengers.

Browne explained that health teams can quickly isolate anyone who becomes ill. Authorities can also begin contact tracing immediately if needed.

“If any of them were to take ill while they’re here, we can easily isolate them and, of course, do the necessary contact tracing,” Browne said.

The Prime Minister said past experiences also influenced the government’s response. He referred to Antigua Airways migrant flights from Cameroon through Nigeria during 2022 and 2023.

According to Browne, those events made officials more careful with new travel arrangements. As a result, authorities now focus heavily on monitoring and screening systems.

“We got burnt there, so we’ve been a little cautious,” Browne said.

Meanwhile, officials continue to stress that Antigua and Barbuda has no confirmed Ebola cases. They also describe the new measures as precautionary.

The government says the enhanced protocols will help protect public health. Officials also want to maintain confidence in the country’s border safety systems.