No curfew for Barbados from Feb 14: Health Minister

The Health Minister of Barbados, Ian Gooding-Edghill, announced that from Monday, February 14, 2022, the curfew protocol would be lifted. He made the announcement on Saturday during a press briefing.

He highlighted that removing the 12:00 am to 5:00 am curfew means the return of cruise ships. The health minister then added these amendments in the COVID-19 containment measures that had been done on the advice of the Chief Medical Officer. He added these changes would assist Barbados in re-opening its economy and getting back on track.

"The long-awaited dream of returning to party cruises will be recognized in a responsible way. Party cruises will be permitted to operate at 100 percent of their authorized passengers subject to proof of COVID-19 vaccination and rapid antigen tests, and the presence of an officer from the COVID Monitoring Unit on board all cruises," the health minister added.

Following the above statement, he then mentioned, "Public health officials have indicated that these outdoor, open-air events will not pose a significant threat to our public health, so long as the protocols are followed".

Apart from this, for the forthcoming series at Kensington Oval, the seating capacity has also been raised from 60% to 80%. Though, only fully vaccinated spectators will be permitted to watch the upcoming cricket series.

The seating capacity for public transportation has also been altered from 75% to 100%. Although, the health minister noted that this seating capacity for the public vehicles would not witness any standing passengers.

Moreover, the pleasure crafts and private boats chartered for private cruises will shift from 50 to 100% seating capacity, where only the authorized passengers will be permitted to travel. Meanwhile, the mandatory COVID-19 negative test result, as well as proof of vaccination, are must documents to be presented.

Since the beginning of COVID-19 pandemic, over 51,311 confirmed cases of the viral disease had been recorded, with a 295 death rate.