BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS, March 31, 2020 (PLP PR Media Inc.) -- With the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases rising to eight, and many persons disobeying State of Emergency orders that are in place, Prime Minister and Minister of National Security Dr the Hon Timothy Harris announced in a national address on Monday evening March 30 that there will be a 24-hour curfew in the country.
“The Cabinet of Ministers has determined that, after consultation with the Police High Command, the National COVID-19 Working Group, the Chief Medical Officer and the Medical Chief of Staff of the JNF General Hospital, that there be a 24 hour curfew - a total lockdown - from 7 pm Tuesday 31st March to 6 am Friday 3rd April in the first instance,” said Prime Minister Harris.
He added: “It means that the current regulations will be repealed and new regulations made in which no one except the Security Forces and other Security Personnel, the Health Care Officers, technical emergency officers of utilities including telecoms, and media personnel, will be allowed out of their residences.”
In the national address on radio and Television, the Prime Minister outlined that in an effort to further protect and keep citizens and residents of the Federation safe from the COVID-19 pandemic, His Excellency the Governor General had on Saturday March 28 proclaimed a 14-day State of Emergency in the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis.
He noted that under the Emergency Powers Act, his Government instituted Emergency Powers (COVID-19) Regulations, SR&O No 7 of 2020. The regulations, he added, were necessary to slow the transmission of the virus from one person to another, including reducing secondary infections among close contacts and healthcare workers.
“Despite a clear statement that all citizens must stay at home except in certain very limited situations, the Police High Command has reported that many Persons have chosen to disobey these regulations,” observed Prime Minister Harris. “Irresponsible behaviour will not be tolerated. Offenders will be promptly arrested and charged.”
Government will not hesitate to prosecute those found in breach of the Emergency Powers (COVID-19) Regulations, advised Dr Harris. The country is at war, and he said it was a war that had to be won. People must be united with all doing their part to ensure their safety, that of their families, communities, and by extension the country.
Saying it was not time for reckless behaviour, he called for sober responsible behaviour.
The powers, the Prime Minister noted, are aimed at restricting the spread of the virus from one person to the next. They are further intended to protect the citizens and residents and keep their loved ones safe, and he implored all to abide by the regulations.
Even as the powers come into effect, the public was advised against engaging in impulsive buying, as there is an adequate stock of food on hand. Some 57 containers are arriving with food, vegetable and beverages this week.
Advising against crowding shopping centres to purchase and stock pile food, Dr Harris noted: “An adequate supply is on hand for the next six to eight weeks. I urge you to please act calmly and wisely.”
In conclusion, the Honourable Prime Minister said: “I am satisfied that as long as we adhere to the Emergency Powers (COVID-19) Regulations, and we take the advice of our health experts and pray to our God, everything will work for the good.”
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