The Ministry of Health has once again reviewed the restrictions imposed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and hinted that further reviews will be made on May 11.
At a press briefing on May 6, Health Minister Hon. Irving McIntyre announced that the weekend curfew will only be on Sunday, while the night time curfew continues. Citizens are now allowed to be out on Saturdays between the hours of 8am and 5pm. While businesses are allowed to operate from 8am to 1pm. However, the total lockdown on Sundays is still in effect.
Further, citizens are now permitted to utilize beaches and rivers for stress management. However the following guidelines must be followed:
1. There should be no more than 10 persons in a group going to the river or beach and they should remember to practice social distancing as much as possible
2. No consumption of alcohol
3. No barbecuing
4. No loud music or parties
The Minister said that the members of the Commonwealth of Dominica Police Force (CDPF) will be patrolling the beaches and rivers to ensure that the guidelines are being followed.
Appliance stores and clothing and textiles stores are now permitted to operate.
However, the following businesses must still remain closed.
—Bars, nightclubs and game shops
—Hair salons, barber shops, manicure/pedicure shops
—Sulphur spas
—Churches
—Gyms
—Schools
The Ministry of Health continues to urge the general public to continue wearing face mask, washing hands with soap and water or hand sanitizer and follow all other guidelines put in place as a result the pandemic.
