New measures announced by Jamaican Government

In an effort to strike a balance between the proper functioning of the Jamaican economy and the health of Jamaicans the Government has announced the following new measures:

New Curfew Hours

As of Wednesdays May 13, 2020 the new curfew hours will be from 8PM – 5AM. This will continue until Sunday May 24, 2020.

Labour Day Curfew

The curfew hours for Sunday May 24 to Monday May 25 will be 3PM to 8AM.

On Monday May 25 (Labour Day), the curfew hours will be from 3PM to 5 AM on Tuesday May 26.

The curfew hours from Tuesday May 26 to May 31 will be from 9PM to 5 AM.

Trial period for Churches to resume

• Lasting two weeks effective Saturday May 16, 2020 churches may reopen. The physical distance rules of 1 person per 40 square feet should be maintained in spaces designated for worship. This effectively mean persons should worship at arms length apart.

• With regards to other spaces on a church compound, persons should remain at least 6ft apart and no more than 10 persons should gather.

• Churches should do temperature checks on entry and worshippers should wear masks.

• Sanitization stations should be in place to allow for members to wash their hands.

• Choir should not be assembled.

• Air conditioning should not be used at church instead all doors are to remain open during worship.

Trial period for Bars

According to Minister McKenzie

• Commencing on May 19 and lasting for 2 weeks, bars are to open from 11AM.

• No more than 5 persons included the bartender should be in a bar at a time.

• No stools, chairs, tables etc should be in the bar.

• The playing of games such as dominoes and ludi is prohibited.

• No parties are allowed at this time.

• All customers and bartenders are required to wear masks.

• There should be a sanitization station in all bars.

• Signage is to be placed in bars to inform customers of the new protocols.

• All persons 65 years and older are required not enter a bar at this time.

The Government of Jamaica has effectively rewarded the Jamaican people with the loosen of curfew hours and the opening of churches and bars. This is a time for all to prove that it was warranted.