Mr Manning said whilst measures are in place to contain the spread of the coronavirus or COVID-19 pandemic, consideration is also being given to citizens who wish to travel by air.

Mr. Manning said those covered under this emergency direction include:

• students returning to their usual place of residence or returning to their educational institution (one-way tickets will be issued);
• Persons returning to their usual place of residence (one-way tickets will be issued);
• Essential services;
• Essential exempted business travel and
• Emergency transport, including but not limited to repatriation of deceased persons.

All persons travelling must fulfill one of the above reasons and be approved by the Controller.

This direction is issued as per Emergency Order 7(22), which states :- flight to and from airport listed in schedule 7 are allowed under the National Emergency; all flights to and from airports listed in schedule 7 must comply with the following requirements:  hygiene and social distancing restriction as issued by the Controller; passengers must have a valid reason for travel; and all passengers must complete and Air Passenger Travel Approval Form.

“Again, as I have stated, emergency orders, directions and restrictions are in place to assist the Government effectively deal with the COVID-19 pandemic. We are determined to prevent the spread of COVID-19 so I ask for your patience, understanding and cooperation,” Mr Manning said.