Prime Minister Allen Chastanet today announced the new COVID-19 protocols that are scheduled to take effect on Monday, November 16, 2020.
On the said date, all social gatherings will be suspended, church services such as weddings, funerals, and christenings will have a 25 person limit. All sporting events as well as gyms will also be suspended. However, provisions apply for individual or immediate family households to exercise in a safe, open space. Activities such as running, walking, cycling. home gym workouts, yoga and the like are all permitted once protocols are followed.
Home gatherings, including inviting family members over will be cut for two weeks.
Individuals are encouraged to work from home where possible and business must adhere to a 9:00 p.m. shutdown time.
Bars will see their time move from 6:00 p.m. to 4:00p.m. and the sale of alcohol restricted to grab and go only.
The new and much stricter protocols were decided after the National Emergency Management Advisory Committee (NEMAC) met as the island navigates the COVID -19 second wave and the sad news of the island’s first two COVID-19 related deaths.
To date, the island has recorded a total of 156 cases with 110 being cared for at the respiratory hospital. One patient, however, is reported to be in critical condition.