Barbados now has 51 confirmed cases of COVID-19, curfew start extended

Barbados' Acting Prime Minister, Santia Bradshaw has found the number of confirmed instances of COVID-19 in Barbados has expanded to 51.

This new figure, released on Friday is a growth of five, up from the 46 cases introduced on Thursday.

Additionally, Bradshaw stated the start of the island's 24-hour curfew, initially scheduled for 5 pm on Friday, maybe extended by 3 hours.

Speaking on Down to Brass Tacks radio show on Voice of Barbados 92.9 this afternoon, Minister Bradshaw said after a session with the Attorney General, a decision become made for the curfew to start at 8 pm in place of 5 pm.

During a public address on Thursday, Bradshaw said stricter curfew measures would be implemented due to the reality that humans were “congregating across the island even notwithstanding the chronic warnings of the risks of doing so”.

The curfew extension turned into granted to permit workforce and clients time to go back home earlier than the curfew came into effect. The remaining time for supermarkets will continue to be at 5 pm.

Videos of chaotic scenes have been circulated on social media showing Barbadians in a last-minute scramble to secure supplies in advance of the 24-hour curfew.