Barbadians will be saying goodbye to the Alphabet system and hello to a further easing of restrictions from Monday. However, they have been warned this is only on condition of compliance with protocols implemented to control the spread of novel coronavirus (COVID-19).
Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley, Attorney General Dale Marshall, economic advisor Kevin Greenidge, Minister of Health and Wellness Jeffrey Bostic and COVID-19 czar Richard Carter spoke with members of the media at a press conference at Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre on May 28.
In outlining the new phase in the reopening of the economy, Marshall said starting next week the curfew period will be adjusted. Monday to Thursday the curfew period will be from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. and 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. from Friday to Sunday.
He said this will maintain a measure of control and curb the “natural exuberance” of Barbadians to socialise on weekends.
All remaining retail stores will be allowed to reopen from Monday.
These businesses include photo studios, photographers, car rentals, animal grooming, trucking and transport and well cleaning and recycling.
Most notably, churches and faith-based organisations will be allowed to reopen, but under guidelines related to density and specific space for each person.
Restaurants will be reopened for dining in, under strict guidelines also. The Attorney-General noted that table spacing will have to be taken into consideration. Families, dining together, however, will be exempt from the strict physical distancing protocol.
He said too that the restrictions may vary slightly depending on the type of business but measures such as the use of temperature taking devices and adherence to physical distancing protocols are expected to be adhered to. by business owners and the public.
Beaches will also be accessible from 5 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Both the Attorney General and Prime Minister said there had been enquiries in relation to sport, however, these new measures do not address increased sporting activities.
Day care facilities and the hotel sector will not be reopened at this time as officials said more “heavy lifting” must be done.
(KG)
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