COVID-19: Barbados eliminates curfews and moves towards re-opening economy

Barbados’ Health Minister Ian Gooding-Edghill announced over the weekend, that the country will no longer have a curfew.

Speaking at a press briefing on Saturday, Gooding-Edghill said that in addition, party cruises can once again sail from Valentine’s Day.

In updating the country on the Omicron wave, the Health Minister said that based on the advice of the Chief Medical Officer, a slew of changes have been made to help get the country moving back to re-opening and more vibrant economic activities.

“Based on this, the 12:00 am to 5:00 am curfew will be removed.”

As it pertains to the return of the highly-anticipated party cruises, the Minister said the dream will be a reality.

“The long-awaited dream of returning to party cruises will be realized in a responsible way. Party cruises will be allowed to operate at 100 percent of their authorized passengers subject to proof of vaccination and rapid antigen tests, and the presence of an officer from the COVID Monitoring Unit on board all cruises,” he said.

He added that pleasure crafts and private boats chartered for private cruises will move from 50 to 100 percent of the authorized number of passengers. However, proof of vaccination or testing will be required prior to boarding.

“Public health officials have indicated that these outdoor, open-air events will not pose a significant threat to our public health, so long as the protocols are followed,” the Minister said.

Also, cricket capacity for the upcoming series at Kensington Oval moves to 80 percent from 60 percent with all patrons being fully vaccinated.

On public transportation, the new guideline moves from 75 percent to 100 percent capacity seated, with no standing passengers. -(CMC)