The measures which have been implemented to curb community spread of the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) have been extended for one month, according to an order in the Official Gazette.
An amendment to the COVID-19 Emergency Measures dated April 29 and published yesterday states that the measures which were first implemented on April 3 will last until June 3 unless earlier terminated, extended or amended by notice from the Ministry of Public Health.
The measures which are being effected under an order in the name of de facto Minister of Public Health Volda Lawrence include a countrywide lockdown with a 6 pm to 6 am curfew and a restriction on services except for those deemed essential.
“Except as otherwise provided in this notice every person shall remain in the confines of his or her home and yard space,” it specifies before identifying a list of 31 essential services which can operate for 24 hours as well as a list of services that may be open from 6 am to 5 pm daily.
Notably the measures include a proviso that stipulates that where a Village Council, as defined in the Amerindian Act, has determined that a public health threat exists in relation to any mining or forestry operation carried out as an essential service, it can recommend to the minister that the operation be discontinued. It also includes as of May 4 a further provision for preferential treatment to be offered to health care workers.
According to the Order where a healthcare worker has to do business at a bank, market, restaurant or gas station the worker shall not join a line but shall be given preferential treatment on submission of proof of identification. All services which have been allowed to operate are required to make the necessary arrangements to facilitate social and physical distancing. These include requiring the wearing of masks, ensuring that all staff and other persons maintain physical distancing of at least six feet in or outside of their establishment, if in a line to enter the establishment; and determining the number of persons that may be permitted in the establishment at any one time.
