Phase 3 of Barbados’ Exit Strategy for Lockdown would seek to assess those businesses considered not an essential activity and when they can re-open.
Prime Minister Mottley stated this during an address to the nation on CBC TV on Wednesday night.
Highlighting Government’s four-phase Exit Strategy for Lockdown Plan, Ms. Mottley said that Phase 3 would begin after a review of Phase 2, which will run from May 4 to 17.
Ms. Mottley noted that Government, in consultation with stakeholders, is seeking to set clear protocols for those businesses considered not an essential activity, so that they can re-open, providing a safe space for employees and customers.
She stated: “These are the ones that we will review generally in two-week modules …, but we reserve the right to bring forward any, if necessary, in the public interest.”
Those businesses are: Bookstores, Home Furnishing, Houseware Stores, Clothing Stores, Schools, Flower Shops, Restaurant Equipment/Wholesale, Sports Equipment, Souvenirs and Gift Shops, Arcades and Games, Barber and Beauty Stores, Personal Care and Wellness Suppliers, Sport Suppliers, Entertainment and Restaurants.
In reference to restaurants, the Prime Minister added that a separate assessment would be made to see how best they could accommodate them, particularly whether they could bring forward elements of drive thru and also delivery.
She said when Government is satisfied that the appropriate protocols are in place, it would review and revise the list approximately every two weeks to see when the country could move to Phase 3 and 4.
Phase 4 of the Exit Strategy for Lockdown “will be when the country can return to as close to normal, after an effective treatment or vaccine,” the Prime Minister added.
To download the full transcript of the Prime Minister’s address to the nation, please click here.