FOLLOWING recommendations from the Command Centre, the Government of Saint Lucia has extended COVID-19 Prevention and Control Protocols to May 30th 2021.
Government is currently monitoring the situation regarding the spread of COVID-19 and notes that over the last week the island had registered an increase in the number of active cases.
The following protocols also remain:
• The curfew remains from 9:00PM to 4:00AM daily.
• WORK FROM HOME AND REDUCED CONTACT MEETINGS
All agencies and businesses will continue to implement a Blended Service/ Operations Approach where possible for the employees.
• BUSINESS OPERATING HOURS
All business operations and commercial activities shall cease operation at 9:00PM to 4:00AM daily, as guided by curfew enforced through the State of Emergency.
• RESTRICTIONS ON SOCIAL GATHERINGS
Social Gatherings are restricted to no more than 10 people of immediate family. In public and private settings, individuals are encouraged to limit their contact as much as possible and adhere to all the necessary protocols as well as being mindful to general hygiene procedure. No allowance is given for mass gathering social events of any kind or loud music permits.
• RELIGIOUS INSTITUTIONS
All daily or regular church and religious services are permitted in accordance with social distancing protocols. Religious institutions may carry out services according to the square footage of the church. This is guided by each institution’s guidelines and protocols approved by the Ministries of Equity and Health. Special religious rites, including Baptisms, Weddings and Funerals will be limited to a maximum of 50 individuals (inclusive of observers and the service leaders).
• SPECIAL EVENTS
Boat Excursions for up to 10 persons. This is only permissible for Crewed Yacht Charters and family boaters. Excursion plans must be reported to the lighthouse ahead of the journey. Absolutely no day boat party charters will be allowed.
• RESTRICTIONS ON ALCOHOL SALES
The sale of alcohol is permitted at Supermarkets, Minimarts, Gas Stations, Restaurants and Bars. Stand-alone bars to operate during the business hours of 11:00AM until 8:00PM, allowing ONLY Take-Away services. Licensed restaurants are permitted to serve liquor as part of dine-in services. Strict measures of protocol enforcement and a NO TOLERANCE POLICY will be in effect. Licensed restaurants and bars to display all necessary licenses and revised capacity as per COVID-19 protocol for their establishment in a conspicuous place.
• RESTRICTIONS ON SPORTING ACTIVITY
All competitive and high-contact sporting activities, inclusive of in-door and outdoor trainings, local competitions or social activities are prohibited. Provisions apply for individual or immediate family households to exercise in a safe, open-air space. Gyms are permitted per square footage and protocols. A non-contact sporting activity is allowed if there are no more than fifteen persons in attendance excluding spectators and crowds.
•SCHOOLS ARE ALLOWED IN-CLASS TRAINING AND INSTRUCTION FOR THIRD TERM
Schools are to follow strict protocols and regulations issued by the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Education’s continuity plan to operate safely on a specified system.