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by pltm
(PLTM) - Given the significant drop in active, positive COVID-19 cases in the territory, Minister for Health and Social Development, Hon. Carvin Malone said the curfew has now been relaxed. Businesses, except nightclubs and entertainment establishments, are now permitted to reopen.
The Minster made the announcement during a live broadcast on Friday, August 6.
The territory now has 152 active positive cases of the coronavirus.
He said the Health Emergency Operations Center- Unified Command Team made some recommendations to the Cabinet for amendments to be made to the existing Public Health (COVID-19 Control and Suppression Measures) Order.
“These recommendations include: An adjustment to the current Curfew Order with an allowance for the period to be amended from 11:00 pm to 5:00am for a period of 14 days, with an initial review after the first 7 days,” he said.
He continued: “That the “Stay-At-Home” order be repealed and that all businesses be allowed to operate with the exception of nightclubs and entertainment centres…”
The Minister pointed out, however, that these business entities are expected to operate within the established restriction limits of one person per 36 square feet to a maximum occupancy of 50 persons, all-inclusive of staff and patrons.
He further informed that re-opening measures remain in place for businesses, including hand-wash stations, hand sanitisers, social distancing markers, mask-wearing, and businesses can expect to be subject to spot checks by the Social Distancing Task Force, the Environmental Health Division and the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force.
Hon. Malone also said in the absence of any exception given by him, businesses and/or workplaces must continue to restrict numbers to one person per 36 square feet to a limit of up to 50 persons at a time, per location, subject to adequate social distancing protocols being maintained in accordance with guidance from the Chief Environmental Health Officer.
Pre-Schools Can Now Reopen
The Minister revealed that the amendments extend to pre-schools, childcare centres, summer programmes, and extra-curricular activities, to be allowed to re-open within the limitations of the social distancing and public health protocols.
“The Minister of Education will make announcements with regards to private and public primary and secondary schools on Tuesday, August 10, 2021,” he said.
It was also agreed that all social gatherings be limited to one person per 36 square feet with a maximum of 50 persons per location, and all faith-based organisations, weddings, funerals be limited to one person per 36 square feet, with a maximum of 100 persons.
However, in-person visits are still restricted at Her Majesty’s Prison and other residential establishments such as the Adina Donovan Home, among others, unless it is an emergency, until August 20.
Furthermore, except with the approval of Hon. Malone, all ferries be required to restrict numbers to a limit of up to 65 persons at a time.
