Saba University School of Medicine Information

Yes. COVID-19 vaccinations are required for all returning students, faculty, staff, and administrators.

The school has implemented the appropriate infection control public health measures to protect the Saba University School of Medicine community on campus. While the school community will be vaccinated, we continue to encourage students, faculty, and staff to follow safety guidelines as directed by the Saba government.

The re-opening of Saba remains a phased approach and is continuously monitored by the Outbreak Management Team (OMT).

The situation surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic remains fluid, and the Island Government of the Public Entity Saba reserves the right to change any conditions at all times when the circumstances require such.

With over 90% of the adult population and more than 80% of the total population of Saba currently fully vaccinated against COVID, and no cases of local transmission of COVID on Saba in the past year, the United States Centers for Disease Control places Saba in its safest category of countries (https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices/covid-1/coronavirus-saba).

Since May 1st, 2021 anyone traveling to the island from high-risk areas who is fully vaccinated does not have to quarantine. Vaccinated persons coming from “very high risk” countries must socially distance for their first five days on Saba, and until testing negative for COVID on the fifth day. As of September 2021, the United States is considered a “very high risk” country. The list of “very high risk” countries can also be found on the Saba government website.  Non-vaccinated persons traveling from high-risk areas must strictly quarantine for 5 days after arrival on Saba.

Persons under the age of 18 traveling from high-risk areas do not have to quarantine but will have to stay out of school, daycare, afterschool care, and other social activities 5 days after arrival.

Yes, COVID-19 medical treatment is covered and considered like any other medical treatment. COVID-19 testing is covered if deemed medically necessary (does not include testing required for travel). The SUSOM-sponsored health plan covers accidents or illnesses as described in the student health insurance brochure.

The Saba Government publishes guidelines for travel on their website (https://www.sabagov.nl/covid-19-information). Students should visit this website for the most up-to-date information regarding travelling to Saba. Please fill in the entry form (http://www.sabatourism.com/travel-requirements) 72 hours (max) before travel. You should receive a response within 24 hours of your submission. Please familiarize yourself with all entry requirements before completing the entry form. This should be done prior to booking any travel. The COVID-19 Travel Requirements for Saba include:

• An approved travel document from the authorities on Saba

• A negative COVID-19 PCR or rapid antigen test if traveling from high-risk areas, within 72 hours of arrival. A negative PCR test is required if traveling from a “very high risk” location.

• When traveling to Saba via St. Maarten, ensure you meet St. Maarten's entry requirements, including completing St. Maarten’s entry form, here: https://stmaartenehas.com/

• Please ensure you have your vaccination card

In addition to the Saba Government related quarantine and entry procedures, students should also check if any other governmental travel restrictions apply to their planned itinerary.

Students are responsible for arranging their own travel to Saba. There are regularly scheduled flights to St. Maarten from Miami, Charlotte, Atlanta, Philadelphia, New York, Chicago, Fort Lauderdale, Montreal/Toronto (beginning end of November), Amsterdam and Paris. Winair is currently operating flights from St. Maarten to Saba on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, and charter flights are available. There is also a boat service from St. Maarten to Saba (Edge Ferry).

The Saba Government categorizes countries into three risk-level groups: low-risk, high-risk, and very high-risk. Students should check the Saba Travel Requirements site (http://www.sabatourism.com/travel-requirements) for the most up-to-date list of country risk categorizations. As of September 27, 2021, the United States of America was considered very high risk, and Canada was considered high risk.

No. Vaccinated individuals are not required to quarantine upon entry to Saba at this point. Vaccinated individuals coming from “very high risk” countries may be required to socially distance themselves for five days on arrival, however.

Yes, certain hotels are approved sites. In addition, the Saba Government allows people to quarantine in their own homes/apartments upon approval which is generally granted.

Our Admissions Committee has made a number of accommodations to provide extra flexibility to students affected by COVID-19. While there are no changes to our admission standards, the Admissions Committee understands that many external examinations have been canceled or postponed during this pandemic. We continue to monitor the changes and the availability of external test administrations and are prepared to offer conditional acceptances and to exercise reasonable flexibility in making admissions decisions.

Please contact your admissions officer or admissions@saba.edu for specific details.

We understand that the disruptions caused by the coronavirus may have changed the course of your education. Please be assured that your candidacy will not be negatively impacted by the fact that your labs/lectures were conducted virtually.