Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness announced seven days of lockdown to help the country curb the country’s rising Covid-19 numbers.
The Prime Minister announced the news at a press conference.
We have to prevent further transmission and the most effective way of slowing down transmission is to have a complete halt at a point. Stop movement. That’s what it comes down to simply,” said Holness.
The No-Movement Dates are as follows:
Sunday, Aug. 22 to Tuesday, Aug. 24, 2021Sunday, Aug. 29 to Tuesday, Aug. 31, 2021 and Sept. 5
Curfews will revert to the hours of 7:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. on the weekdays and 6:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. on the Saturdays following the no-movement days.
The country’s vaccination program will continue as specific sites remain open during curfew hours and on no movement days.
“No funeral services will be allowed during the period August 25 – September 7, 2021,” he tweeted. “For the period August 25 – September 7, 2021, a maximum of 15 persons will be allowed at a burial including mourners, officiating clergy, grave diggers and undertakers.”
Courthouse, security services, financial services, transportation services, health services, the National Water Commission, Jamaica Public Service, gas stations, fire stations, food services, and other relevant services are exempt from the shutdown.
Holness reiterated that the lockdown would be successful “works if everyone cooperates.”
“I am [therefore] appealing for everyone to make these no movement days a success. If you don’t have to move during this period… stay home,” Holness maintained.
