The wearing of masks inside public buildings is now mandatory.
Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley said she had been in discussions with many public health persons over the past 24 to 36 hours and she was satisfied with the decision taken.
“I am now satisfied that the actions that we took, which were reflected in yesterday’s directive, to be able to insist that mask wearing inside of public buildings, not homes, is now mandatory,” Ms. Mottley stated.
She made the comments today as she gave a COVID-19 update to the country, from Ilaro Court, where she reminded that masks must be worn in all forms of public transport in this country.
The Prime Minister told citizens that the country was in a better position than it was last weekend, when several prison officers and inmates tested positive for the virus.
“But we are not out of the woods by any stretch of the imagination…. I don’t want you dropping your guard…. I am heartened by the manner in which you are responding for the most part, and for which you are being responsible….
“But, I need you to stay the course because this is not bigger than us. And, if we have the will to do the right thing, … then I know … we shall make it. But, believe …me, it requires cooperation. I really regret that there are those who continue to prey upon this population for their own personal reasons and believe that now is the time to be divisive. It is not,” she insisted.
Ms. Mottley noted that many employees of the public service were working remotely, and the private sector had agreed that, as far as possible, they would encourage their members to do the same.
“For the first time in the history of this country, the conduct of Estimates meetings is being done virtually, … as we prepare our budgets to get them to Parliament for next month,” she stated.
The Prime Minister said she was hopeful that the country could receive vaccines within the next four to eight weeks.
She reminded members of the public, however, that they must wear their masks, sanitise and engage in physical distancing.
Ms. Mottley pointed out that there were people here and internationally, who were willing to work with Barbados in this battle.
She indicated that some people here had volunteered their services, and stressed that Government would not reject any help that could be of benefit to the country.