The wait is over as Government announced supermarkets, minimarts, village shops and automarts will reopen for full service on Sundays.
In the latest COVID-19 management update on Saturday evening, Minister of Home Affairs Wilfred Abrahams announced a new directive (NO. 11) would go into effect on Tuesday until June 29.
In addition to the existing conditions, the long awaited cry for Sunday shopping to resume was heard and will commence on June 13 under the new directive which also paves the way for sports to resume without spectators, subject to protocols. Meanwhile, competitive sports, including horseracing, can safely operate once given the nod by the Covid-19 Monitoring Unit.
Abrahams said the Barbados Turf Club came with a proposal above what was required by Government and as such approval was granted. No spectators will be allowed at the Garrison Savannah, and on any given race day, between 400 and 500 people will be present. Provisions are also in place for online betting.
There is still no word on the Sweetest Summer Festival. The Minister of Home Affairs said he could not make a definitive statement on Crop Over at this time. A lot is hinging on the COVID-19 vaccines and the target for herd immunity. In the meantime, Government will continue to weigh the pros and cons.
During the same briefing, Minister of Tourism and International Transport, Senator Lisa Cummins, said the cruise sector would resume under strict conditions.
On Monday, Barbados will welcome the Celebrity Millennium around 11 a.m. at the Bridgetown Port. The vessel is home porting in St Maarten, but all passengers are required to have a negative PCR test three days prior to arrival. Both crew and passengers will be fully vaccinated and the ship will have 50 per cent occupancy.
Cummins said the American market is looking to be strongest for the summer season as parts of Europe continue to fight another COVID-19 wave. The United Kingdom is utilising a “stoplight” system of red, yellow and green designations for travel and Canada is set to resume flight to some Caribbean destinations later this month. (SAT)
