Following a downward trend in daily coronavirus infections since the island’s January peak, Prime Minister Andrew Holness today (February 10) introduced more relaxed COVID-19 measures in line with the country’s gradual return to normalcy.

Addressing the House of Representatives this afternoon, Holness indicated that all health indicators have suggested a rapid improvement in the country’s coronavirus situation and, given this, “the science and the data would clearly support a widening of the guard rails to allow more economic activity”.

With this in mind, effective tomorrow (February 11), for a two-week period ending February 25, the curfew hours will change from 10 pm nightly to 11 pm nightly, until 5 am the following morning.

In addition, the current maximum of 100 persons allowed to physically attend worship services will be replaced with a capacity limit determined based on the size of the place of worship.

The maximum number of persons allowed to attend will be based on the size of the area designated for worship, divided by 36 square feet.

All other measures, including the prohibition on parties and events, the public gathering limit of 15 persons as well as measures relating to travel, burials and weddings are unchanged and remain in effect until February 24.

Relaying that of all the country’s coronavirus-related deaths since March 2021 when the vaccine became available, 98.4 per cent were unvaccinated, the prime minister warned: “Persons who are unvaccinated, particularly the elderly and those who are immunocompromised or have comorbidities, remain at high risk and must exercise a high degree of caution.”

He noted: “While our indicators continue to show improvement, I want to caution the population that there is no room for complacency. While the Government is widening the guard rails to allow more economic activity, citizens must continue to diligently follow the protocols to keep themselves, their families and loved ones safe.”