The government today reopens the country’s ports of entry for the repatriation of Jamaicans and to international travellers on June 15.
The announcement was made to tourism stakeholders in a letter signed by Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett.
The announcement comes as Jamaicans head back to work today and various agencies of the state resume operations on a phased basis.
Jamaica now has 589 cases of COVID-19, but recoveries have reached 311, with 21 new cases of recovery on Sunday and only five new cases of the disease. This pushes the percentage of recoveries pass 53 per cent of cases.
During a press conference Sunday evening, Prime Minister Andrew Holness noted that the country is likely to experience its most significant downturn in four decades, but he noted that government was cautiously moving to re-energise the economy with the relaxing of some restrictions. However, he cautioned that the measures would be re-imposed if there was a resurgence in infections.
New measures
The current curfew hours, which currently run from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. will be maintained until June 14. At its expiration, the curfew will move 10 p.m to 5 a.m. Public transport operators will continue to be allowed an additional hour before and after the end of the curfew to commute.
Stay at home measures will be maintained for persons 65 years and older. They will be allowed to leave home once per day to access services or to attend church. Persons with respiratory illnesses are to remain at home.
The restrictions on gatherings will be maintained until June 30. There should be no gathering of more than 10 people. Physical distancing of six feet and must remain in place and masks must be worn in public.
Restrictions for correctional institutions, infirmaries, nursing homes and hospitals will also remain in place until June 30. There will be no visitation at correctional facilities; no new patients will be accepted at infirmaries or visitors allowed, while only one visitor per day will be allowed in hospitals.
Markets will also continue to operate from 6 a.m- 6 p.m. Mondays to Saturdays and closed on Sundays, while barber and beauty shops must continue to observe the rule of no more than 10 people in the establishment at any one time.
The prime minister said buses will continue to provide only seated transportation for passengers, but relaxed the rule for taxis. They will now be allowed to carry the required number of passengers based on their licences. They will, however, continue to ensure windows are down when travelling with passengers and that all passengers wear face covering.
Beaches, clubs and other attractions will remain closed until June 30 and bars will continue to operate with restrictions.
Gatherings at weddings and funerals will remain restricted to no more than 15 people. The prime minister says he has given directive to the police commissioner for the police to strictly enforce the measure, especially at funerals in light of reports of mass funerals taking place.
Lets pray its a good move. Be safe Jamicia
Francia Smith