In an effort to limit the movement of individuals and mitigate the COVID-19 community spread, Prime Minister, Allen Chastanet, announced various measures that would come into effect today, Friday, October 30, 2020, and will be in place for a period of thirty days.
All business, inclusive of bars and restaurants are to cease operations from 9 pm. Bars are to restrict the consumption of alcohol on-premises and implement a grab and go policy. Working from home is encouraged where possible. Mass Crowd Events are reduced from 50 to 25 people per venue per activity with no special provisions being extended for ground space or structural provisions and contact sports have been discouraged. Religious institutions are to be guided by the square footage of their respective spaces with the maximum number of people 100 for institutions that are very large.
Public and Private Educational Institutions have been advised to extend the closure of compounds and ensure continued learning via alternate and telecommunication mediums.
The Prime Minister made it clear that while there is no curfew in place, persons who have no clear business outside of 9:00 pm should voluntarily limit movement between 9:00 pm and 5:00 am. “Essentially, asking people to take personal responsibility for their movement and encourage staying at home between the hours of 9:00 pm to 5:00 am. This aims to discourage the physical spread of people during typical hours of high-risk social activity island-wide.”
Prime Minister also confirmed that there will be more regular and robust inspections by the Ministry of Health at business places to ensure that all protocols are being adhered to.
In the early stages of COVID-19, Saint Lucia enjoyed the lowest ranking in infections but have since catapulted to fourth place as compared to the rest of the O.E.C.S.
C.M.O. George confirmed that since the spike in cases, two patients have recovered while the others are recovering and doing well.