With COVID-19 infections trending down following a consecutive four weeks of weekday lockdowns, Prime Minister Andrew Holness has announced a number of adjustments to the existing COVID-19 containment measures.

While noting the frustrations of Jamaicans who have grown weary of continued no movement days, Holness indicated that for the period beginning, Saturday, September 18 through to Thursday, October 28 weekday no-movement days would be discontinued.

In its place, a nightly 8 pm curfew for Mondays – Fridays would be implemented. Followed by a 6 pm curfew on Saturday which would run until 5 am on Monday morning.

Sundays will therefore operate as the only no-movement day, giving citizens the opportunity to go about their business without fear of long lines and ill-advised crowding.

Speaking on the one-hour extension of the weekday curfew from 7 – 8 pm, Holness stated: “Having reviewed the data we are now starting to examine transportation in greater detail, (and) took the view that 8 o’clock is a better time to allow for the clearing of congestion and to reduce the crushing of persons trying to get on transportation to get home.”

On the matter of vaccination, the prime minister expressed his support and allowance for the continuation of COVID-19 vaccinations even on no-movement days.

“We want the vaccination programme to continue in full force even on no movement days. Certain vaccination sites will be open on no movement days and person’s who wish to receive the vaccine will be allowed to do so,” said Holness.

As it relates to other COVID-19 containment measures, Holness indicated that the Government would be continuing to limit public gatherings to 10 persons while gathering limits for weddings, places of worship and physical attendance at general meetings would remain at 20 persons.

The existing work from home directive in the public sector is being extended until October 28 and permanent secretaries and heads of agencies are being advised that only persons who work in critical service delivery or the nature of their job function requires their physical presence in the office should be allowed to do so.

While arguing that the new measures that take effect on September 18 are expected to guide citizens until October 28 Holness noted, “if we observe any lack of compliance we will reconsider the measures”.