Government eases some restrictions under curfew

The 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew remains in effect but Acting Prime Minister Santia Bradshaw this evening announced that the Cabinet of Barbados, the Emergency Organisation Committee and the Parliamentary Group agreed to ease some restrictions after examining the effectiveness of a number of measures that were recently introduced to help curb the spread of COVID-19.

Below are the changes:

1. Effective immediately gas station operators will discontinue the use of the alphabetic system of surnames when it comes to the purchase of fuels, gasoline, diesel and kerosene, Liquefied Petroleum Gas, (LPG) as well as cellular top-ups.
2.  The alphabetic-based shopping system remains in effect for supermarkets. However, supermarkets and minimarts will start at 7 a.m. and will now run until 4 p.m. while maintaining the previously mentioned break at 11 a.m. Supermarket operators have been advised that they can serve shoppers who are in the line at the cut off times.
3.  In light of the public holidays of National Heroes Day on Tuesday, April 28 and May Day on Friday, May 1, members of the public who were permitted to shop on those days using the alphabetic system will now be permitted to shop during the times allocated to Essential workers ONLY on Sunday, April 26 between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. and Thursday, April 30 between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. This pertains to Seniors and the Disabled and those with surnames beginning L, M, N, O, P, Q, R, A and
4.  Computers stores will be opened to facilitate online shopping for computer equipment and peripherals such as ink, paper, cables and other items connected to the use of devices. Customers will only be allowed to access their purchases via curbside pick-up, using the Alphabetic system and operators of computer systems will also be using their facilities to do delivery. There will be no in-store shopping.

Minister Bradshaw reminded all Barbadians that a strict curfew remains in place between the hours of 6 a.m and 6 p.m. except for essential services. She stressed that citizens are only allowed from their homes to seek medical or dental attention, to purchase petroleum products or to engage in shopping and banking under the alphabetic system.