Grenada PM announces changes to COVID-19 Regulations, providing easement in some sectors
(Grenada Government Information Service Press Release) Prime Minister and Minister for National Security, Dr. the Right Honourable Keith Mitchell, has announced several changes to Grenada’s COVID-19 Regulations.
The nightly curfew will remain in effect, but with an adjustment in the time to 7:00 p.m. to4:00 a.m. The no-movement weekends intended to help curb the spread of the virus, have been discontinued. The Prime Minister explained that according to health experts, “we must learn to live with COVID-19, therefore it is imperative that we seek to resume a degree of normalcy while continuing to safeguard our people.”
Dine-in services at restaurants will resume for fully-vaccinated persons only, and beach access has been extended, the new time being 4:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Dr. Mitchell announced the re-opening of retail stores across the country, but he encouraged store managers to maintain 50% capacity, and ensure that employees and customers are adhering to the recommended protocols.
Outlining further areas of easement, the Prime Minister said, “Gyms and fitness centres are also permitted to resume operation. Likewise, day care centres and businesses in the beauty sector including hairdresser salons and barber shops. However, there is one caveat which is based on consultation with representatives in the private sector to help facilitate continuity of operations in the event of future spikes that could otherwise force another shut down of operations.”
He further stated that, “Having consulted with stakeholders in the following industries and acting on their general recommendation, employees in the food service, accommodation, fitness, beauty, child and elderly care sectors, must be fully-vaccinated, or in cases where they have received only one dose, the second dose must be administered within a specific period after the resumption of operations.
Given the fluidity of the pandemic and the need for flexibility and agility in responding and adapting to its impact, Government is continuously engaged in consultation with stakeholders as it seeks to balance the protection of lives and livelihood.
On the subject of vaccination, the Prime Minister noted the ongoing increase with the total number of fully-vaccinated Grenadians now exceeding 25,000. However, he said Grenada is still a long way from where it needs to be in terms of achieving herd immunity.
Source: CARICOM TODAY