Read Now: New COVID restriction in St Lucia from August 13 to 31

St Lucia: The government of St Lucia announced new COVID-19 protocols in effect from August 13 to 31, 2021.

In action against COVID-19, the St Lucia government announced a curfew from 9 PM, all business operations and commercial activities must be ended by 8 PM daily as guided by curfew and forced through the state of emergency. However, separate provisions apply for necessary sectors, such as essential services, construction, manufacturing, call centres, certified hotel employees, etc.

All agencies and businesses are advised to encourage physical distancing in the workplace. A blended services and operations approach of working in the office and from home may be implemented for employees where necessary. There should be the encouragement of large staff and board meetings being held virtually or online on platforms.

The government also announced restrictions on social gatherings, immediate households and family limited to 10 people. In private settings, individuals are required to limit their contact as much as possible to family and adhere to all the necessary protocols and general hygiene procedures. No loud music permits to be issued for the next three weeks period.

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All daily or regular church and religious services are permitted in accordance with social distancing protocols. Religious institutions may carry out services according to the square footage of the church. This is guided by each institution’s guidelines and protocols approved by the ministry of health.

Special religious rights, including baptism, weddings and funerals will be limited to 100 individuals inclusive of observers and the service leaders. Funerals and wedding services are by invitation only. Dates of burial services or not to be formally advertised.

No alliance is given for gatherings for special events for the 3 week period. Neither vaccinated or vaccinated people are allowed to host or attend any social activities, including but not limited to parties, boat rides, receptions etc.

All sports are allowed for the given time period limited to field capacity and game structure. No spectators or crowding allowed at the same time.

Gyms are approved to operate in keeping with all necessary protocols and capacity limited by square footage. Special permission may be granted for training athletes requiring one-on-one coaching/training for contact sports, selective competitions and sporting associated community engagements.

All educational institutions will operate as per established school hours. School operation for the new academic year will be assessed at the middle of August based on the transmission rate, and the final decision on which schools will operate fully or use the alternate days approach will be specified.

No local stay at COVID approved properties where unvaccinated visitors are accommodated. Boat rides are prohibited for the next three weeks. Alternate days for local and tourist service at parks, restaurants, etc., are to be maintained for this period.

An ongoing assessment and other measures will be implemented as per consultation with Ministry of Health and Ministry of Tourism to be finalized Friday, August 13, 2021.

Prime Minister emphasized while outlining the COVID-19 protocols, "Let us encourage each other to observe the protocols for the next 14 days, so that we may be able to get back to some level of normality. We owe to each other; I know that you can do it, especially, for the most vulnerable among us who are likely to die if they become infected. And to those still hesitant about taking the vaccine, I call on you to reconsider your position, seek medical advice and help protect our nation from this deadly virus by taking the vaccine."

"Together we can do this; let us do it for the good benefit of ourselves, and country. I want to thank the people of Saint Lucia for their patience and fortitude over the past months as we fight that Covid pandemic. I know it was not and is not easy but as a nation I believe that the majority understand that we must all share in the sacrifice of dealing with the pandemic. Your Government cares and will always put you first in all the decisions that are made."