Public events to usher in the New Year must be approved by the relevant authorities.
Head of the COVID-19 Monitoring Unit, Ronald Chapman, made this clear during a press conference convened by the Ministry of Health and Wellness, today, to provide its ‘end of year report’.
Mr. Chapman explained that in light of the COVID-19 situation, no indoor public parties would be permitted. “For the purpose of parties and those sorts of events where persons are standing, those events are only approved for outdoor spaces,” he said.
He noted that event organisers must seek permission by first applying to the COVID-19 Monitoring Unit and the National Cultural Foundation.
There are also protocols which must be followed by all of the parties involved. “Both the promoter and the staff of the event have to be vaccinated and tested on the night of the event. And the patrons will either be vaccinated and tested one day prior to the event. These protocols are put in place so as to ensure that we have events that are low risk and that persons can enjoy some sense of normalcy for the coming Old Year’s Night and New Year’s Day,” he explained.
Mr. Chapman also revealed that permission had been granted for six public outdoor events to be held tomorrow, Friday, December 31, Old Year’s Night, with another five events being approved for January 1, New Year’s Day, and one on January 2.
Mr. Chapman also urged Barbadians to ensure that they take the precautions to protect themselves, such as the wearing of face masks and practising good hand hygiene.