COVID-19 & post-hurricane updates with Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley and Minister of Health and Wellness, Lt. Col Jeffrey Bostic – July 23, 2021. (PMO)

In an effort to combat the recent spike in COVID-19 cases, the Government of Barbados will be extending the curfew for another two weeks.

Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley made the announcement during a press conference to update the country on the COVID-19 situation and recovery post- Hurricane Elsa.

The existing 11:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. curfew, which came into effect on Tuesday, July 13, was due to end on Sunday, July 25.

Prime Minister Mottley explained that the decision to extend it was based on the information presented by the Ministry of Health and Wellness. However, she made it clear that while the situation was concerning, it was not one that warranted a lockdown.

“I’ve told you always that we will apply brakes and accelerate where required, but what we won’t do is overreact. And in our view, at this stage, we have enough capacity still to continue as we are doing. If we ever reach the stage where we have to shut down the country, we will do it, but there is no such case, no basis for it.

“We have more than enough therapeutics, more than enough tests, we have more than enough medical personnel and capacity, and we will hopefully be in a position as I said, to continue to see the decline in the positivity rate….”

The Prime Minister further stated that a new directive has been drafted and will feature a few changes, including the penalizing of persons who present falsified COVID-19 documentation, and limitations on some types of activities.

“There are one or two changes. Those involved in wrestling, boxing and martial arts will be permitted to do non-contact training…but no contact within those three sports,” Ms. Mottley revealed.

The Prime Minister also implored Barbadians to take the threat of the viral illness seriously, and adhere to the public health protocols, as “some people are still not being as careful as they could otherwise be”.

Reiterating that we all had a role to play in saving not only our lives, but those of others, she urged the public to get vaccinated against COVID-19.

“…of all the 46 persons in primary and secondary care at Harrison’s Point, not one of the them is vaccinated. And therefore, my friends, I repeat the call for all Barbadians to be vaccinated”.

Noting that we have been vaccinated against various diseases from a young age, Prime Minister Mottley also urged persons to the avoid misinformation regarding the vaccines, as it was only “intended to be able to cause strife”.

nya.phillips@barbados.gov.bb

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