COVID 19 NEWS UPDATE IN JAMAICA – ADDS ZONE MARKET

NO PERMIT WILL BE GRANTED

althea — Wed, 26 Aug 2020 03:50:49 +0000

Prime Minister Andrew Holness speaking at a virtual press conference on August 24, 2020 - Contributed photo. No permits will be granted for the hosting of entertainment events for the next two weeks, while those already issued will be cancelled and refunded. This was announced by Prime Minister Andrew Holness at a virtual press conference on Monday, who explained that the action will help to stem the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19), which has seen a recent spike in cases. “The health authorities have advised that our surge in cases can be clearly linked to a number of activities – church conventions, funerals, parties and gatherings above the 20-person rule. There are a number of pictures and videos that have been circulating of parties with no mask-wearing,and no social distancing,” he said. Despite agreements reached between the Government and entertainment industry stakeholders, persons have continued to breach the established COVID-19 health protocols, contributing to the continued increase in cases. “As we are seeing, it is easier said than done to have events that are compliant with protocols and, in fact, when the contact tracing is done, you’re seeing that many persons, even high-profile persons who are affected – you could trace right back to entertainment activities,” he said. Holness said the Government has been very careful in granting approvals for entertainment events and when they are given, stakeholders are asked to ensure that the protocols are maintained. “Try as they may, and some may have actually tried, it is always going to be difficult. Merriment and partying are not consistent with the conscious behaviour that is necessary to stay safe from COVID-19,” he argued. Holness said the Government acknowledges the importance of the entertainment sector but it has to weigh that against the risk it poses. “I ask the entertainment industry, people who are involved who have been hard hit, to please understand that this is something that the Government has to do and it is not that we are doing it in a callous way without understanding their side of it, but there is a national side to this thing now, which we have to be firm about – protecting the lives and safety of the Jamaican public,” he said.Add Your Heading Text Here

New Curfew Hours To Impact JUTC Operations

althea — Sat, 22 Aug 2020 04:34:07 +0000

Consequent on today’s announcement of new curfew hours for four parishes, the Jamaica Urban Transit Company Limited (JUTC) says it will be adjusting its operations.

The curfew hours have been shortened in Kingston, St Andrew, St Catherine, and Clarendon.

Instead of 11 p.m., the measure will now start at 7 p.m. and go until 5 a.m.

The new hours take effect on Saturday, August 22, and will run until Wednesday, September 2.

The JUTC says buses that would normally be dispatched from as early as 4 a.m. will now be done at 5 o’clock.

This means the first commute will likely take place at or around 6 a.m., while between 7 p.m. and 8 p.m., buses are to be taken back to their depots without passengers.

The JUTC is encouraging passengers not to wait until the last minute to transact business and to be bus stops as early as possible, as some routes take up to two hours to complete.

Commuters are also being encouraged to top up their smartercards to eliminate the use of cash and to wear their masks for the entire length of their journey.

New Curfew Hours For Four Parishes

althea — Sat, 22 Aug 2020 04:05:45 +0000

Prime Minister Andrew Holness has announced new curfew hours for several parishes.

Effective Saturday, August 22 to Wednesday, September 2, 2020, the curfew will run from 7 p.m to 5 a.m daily for the parishes of Kingston, St Andrew, St Catherine, and Clarendon.

Previously, the curfew began at 11 p.m.

The adjustment comes amid an increase in COVID-19 cases.

The Cabinet’s COVID committee met this morning following yesterday’s record 98 new cases and one death.

It was outlined that most of the cases were contracted over Emancipendence holiday.

Holness said the police are now working out a strategy of enforcement of the curfew rules, noting that there have been prosecutions for breaches and that this will continue.

Meanwhile, Holness announced that political motorcades will now be prohibited, but drive-throughs will be allowed.

However, this provision will be further reviewed.

At the same time, the Government is reviewing the date for the reopening of schools.

However, a decision has not yet been made.