BASSETERRE, ST. Kitts - THE Government has instituted lockdown measures on businesses in the Federation and curfew measures to curb the increasing cases of COVID-19 in the Federation, most specifically in St. Kitts.
Last evening (June 11), Prime Minister Dr. Timothy Harris announced 36 new cases were recorded between Wednesday and Thursday, prompting his Government to take drastic measures to combat the spreading of the virus.
Among the measures Cabinet has implemented are a two-week lockdown and curfew that will only have essential businesses operational.
During last evening’s national address, PM Harris said that after a thorough evaluation of the situation on the ground, Cabinet has agreed that “we needed to restrict the movement of people to contain the movement of the virus”.
As a result, beginning this evening (June 12), the country will be under a lockdown from 6:00 p.m. to Saturday, June 26 in the first instance.
“Under this lockdown, the Cabinet has determined that people should stay at home over the next two weeks. There shall be a curfew daily from 6:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m..,” noted Dr. Harris.
Confusion reigned since last evening’s announcement; however, various persons have taken to public airwaves to clarify the Government’s position.
The measures put in layman's term mean that the Government, in and of itself, is under a curfew imposed on business establishments where all persons should now switch to remote work. Only essential businesses will be able to operate during this period or those which were exempted.
In addition, the curfew applies to those persons who will be leaving their homes to do essential shopping or for work.
“Our approach to lockdown takes into account our experiences of the past year and the reality that we have one of the best vaccination rollout programmes so far in the region. As of yesterday, we had 65 percent of the target population having received their first shot and 29 percent of our target population fully vaccinated. These significant results must be consolidated and expanded.
“We understand the challenges of a lockdown, including its impact on people’s lives and livelihoods – in particular on the self-employed, on persons working in the entertainment and hospitality sectors, and within other areas of the private sector,” added Dr. Harris.
The following measures will be implemented to contain the spread of COVID-19 within communities. The measures become effective from today.
1.All essential businesses and offices may continue their business operations by allowing their employees to work remotely from home, utilising virtual means, unless those employees are permitted to work under special exemption or are designated as being essential workers. Where a business is unable to continue its business operations by its employees working remotely from home, the business shall cease its operations for the next two weeks in the first instance. All persons employed within the Public Service, a Statutory Body, a State-owned Enterprise or the Courts shall work remotely from home, except as may otherwise be directed by the Cabinet Secretary.
2.All gaming establishments will be closed.
3.Absolutely no mass events.
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4.Beaches are to be used for the purpose of exercise only during this period.
5.No street vending for the next fourteen (14) days in the first instance. ending will only be allowed at the public market with controlled spaces, where strict adherence to COVID-19 protocols must be observed.
6.There will be no in-person dining at Restaurants and Bars. However, take-out and delivery will be permitted.
7.Security officers will be enforcing protocols with respect to social distancing and mask wearing. Persons not in compliance will be penalised.
8.Ferry service operations will be subject to heightened restrictions to curtail non-essential inter-island travel.
