Grenada drops vaccine mandate for third West Indies v England Test

Fans no longer have to be inoculated against Covid-19 to gain entry to the National Cricket Stadium, where the series concludes from March 24

Unvaccinated supporters will be eligible to attend the third and final Test between West Indies and England in Grenada.

Government officials have dropped the mandate for large public gatherings, meaning unprotected attendees are able to buy tickets for the concluding match of the tour at the National Cricket Stadium, starting on March 24.

Through the first two Tests and five T20s in January in Antigua and Barbados, all fans had to be fully inoculated against Covid-19. Cricket West Indies had previously stated anyone not jabbed would be blocked from gaining entry.

At the time of writing, an estimated 33 per cent of Grenada's population have been fully vaccinated.

"We welcome the decision taken by the Government of Grenada to provide all Grenadians with the opportunity to rally behind the West Indies in the third and final Apex Test match," said Cricket West Indies chief executive Johnny Grave.

^{Covid passes have been required across the T20 and Test series (Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)}

"With the adjustment to the policy and protocol, we now expect an increased interest among local fans to attend the third Apex Test match, which should be a thrilling finale to the Apex Series."

Grenada's minister of health, Hon. Nickloas Steele added: "Right now, the risk is low and as such, we adjust accordingly. 

"This is in fact, a victory for the people of Grenada as it is their behaviour and adherence to protocols that have helped to keep the COVID-19 risk at relatively low levels."

It is hoped the easing of rules will spark an upturn in interest in the Test among locals. The National Cricket Stadium has a capacity of 20,000, but so far North Sound and Kensington Oval have been dominated by fans from touring parties.

The trip represents the first time England fans have been permitted to travel in high numbers since the pandemic began and provides a much-needed injection of tourism for the islands after a lean couple of years.