Members of the private sector are pleased with the relaxed COVID-19 measures, following Prime Minister Andrew Holness’s announcement in the House of Representatives on Tuesday (November 16).

Holness had indicated to Parliament that, starting today (November 18), curfew hours would be extended.

Jamaicans are now required to be home by 9 pm and are able to return to normal activities at 5 am.

The curfew applies to all days of the week, therefore there will be no lockdown days.

The new curfew runs until Friday, December 10.

NATION NEARING POINT OF FRUSTRATION

Welcoming the decision, Donovan Wignall, president of the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Alliance, said Holness was leading the country in the direction it ought to take to overcome the coronavrius pandemic.

He concurred with Holness’ statement that the nation is nearing the point of frustration with the constant strict COVID measures.

Wignall added that a further extension of the curfew time would be more favourable, especially due to the holiday season, but that he understood the need for a gradual reopening of the country.

The extension of the curfew, Wignall said, would be especially useful to those who have been seriously affected by the pandemic.

The MSME Alliance head also stated that this extension must be met with preferential treatment for those who are vaccinated.