Government eases curfew and other restrictions

As the number of positive COVID-19 cases continues to drop Barbadians have been given a further ease from restrictions.

For the first time since February 3, gyms will be allowed to open, beaches and parks will be accessible during the day until 7 p.m. while the current 9 p.m. curfew will be abandoned three days a week.

Those were just some of the relaxing of restrictions announced by Prime Minister Mia Mottley as she addressed the nation this evening during a televised press conference from her official residence at Ilaro Court.

The new restrictions will run from April 11 to 26.

Mottley said following a significant decrease in positive COVID-19 cases on the island a decision had been taken to lift some of the restrictions.

“Our numbers continue to drop and we are happy. The last time I spoke to you we had a situation where our cases per 100,000 were at 66 and the two weeks before that it was at 110. It is now at 40, but we are not yet where we want it to go. We want it to go to 25. Really we want it at zero but we understand that we live in a world where we don’t have the luxury of controlling that…

“We have, however, been conscious that Barbadians have largely responded to the protocols and have largely been cooperative and even though we have a situation that is still uncertain globally, we do believe that we have to continue to live. The one thing we can’t do is to stay still,” Mottley declared.

“As a result of us being very happy that Barbadians have largely risen to the occasion to fight back this pandemic we believe the time has come for us to make certain other changes and adjustments so that persons can indeed be more comfortable in terms of not only where they work but also in terms of the other things they need to do to sustain themselves both body and soul.”

The Prime Minister said while beaches and parks would now open from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. picnics and parties were forbidden.

There will be no curfew on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, but the limitation on movement will be in effect between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. from Thursday through to Sunday.

Small pleasure craft can now operate at 50 per cent capacity and watersports operators are also permitted but larger party cruises remain grounded.

Bars will be allowed to open but there is a 50 per cent cap on capacity. Theaters and nightclubs will stay closed.

Patrons can now dine in house at fast food restaurants.

Government has removed the 75-person limit on churches, but social distancing protocols must stay in place along with maintenance of a register for contract tracing purposes. A maximum of 100 persons can now attend funerals and weddings.

Mottley said Government was prepared to engage sporting associations in the next two weeks to discuss the possible restart of contact sports.

She said this included the Barbados Turf Club, the Barbados Olympic Association and the National Sports Council. (RB)