The Government of Montserrat on Saturday announced more stringent measures to contain and prevent further spread of COVID-19; as there are currently five confirmed cases on the island.
The government made the announcement in a joint live virtual press conference with Governor Andrew Pearce and members of the local press.
The 24-hour curfew took effect at 6 p.m. Saturday and ends on April 14.
During this lockdown period, persons must stay at home except for those carrying out functions as an essential service or business provider; seeking medical care; conducting a banking or money transfer transaction; caring for a family member, vulnerable person or pet, engaging in exercise activity, and shopping for necessities (food, fuel and medicine).
Essential businesses or services allowed to operate are as follows:
1. A banking business – from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
2. A doctor’s office – from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
3. A grocery store, an agricultural produce business or a pharmacy- which is allowed to open 8 am to 6 pm. BUT only one person from each household is allowed to be out for the purpose of going to the grocery store, pharmacy or market.
4. A gas station- which is allowed to open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
5. A bakery – which is allowed to open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
6. A business connected with fisheries, 2 a.m. to 7 p.m.
7. An undertaker – for 24 hours.
8. A money transfer business, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
9. A business or organisation that is granted permission (by the Minister of Health) to operate.
All non-essential services, organizations and departments must close until April 14, 2020.
Persons engaging in exercise can do so alone or in a gathering of no more than four persons from within one’s household. Additionally, exercise activities are only permitted from 5 a.m. to 8 a.m. or from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
The airport and the seaports are closed, with the following exceptions:
- Only Montserratians are allowed to disembark (arrive) on Montserrat.
- A person arriving for the purpose of aiding in the treatment, control and suppression of COVID19.
- Medical evacuations.
- Courier (postal) services.
Recognizing the impact these measures will have on people and the economy, the Premier indicated that the government has presented a financial package to the United Kingdom government to provide support for businesses and residents. Further details on these will be provided once packages are confirmed.
