(CMR) After almost two years of banning entertainment events due to COVID-19, Jamaica will reopen its entertainment industry on Friday, 18 March.
Prime Minister Andrew Holness made the announcement during his contribution to the 2022/23 Budget Debate in the House of Representatives on Thursday.
Mr. Holness reminded the public that events are regulated under various laws and administered by multiple entities, such as the Municipal Corporations and the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), from whom permits must be sought and licenses paid.
“The permits granted will include a condition that the number of persons in any venue must be below 70 percent of the capacity. This condition will be kept until 15 April 2022,” he said.
According to the Jamaica Information Service, certain restrictions currently applicable to hospitals, nursing homes, infirmaries, and correctional facilities will become matters for policy at the level of the Ministry of Health and Wellness, the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development, and the Ministry of National Security.
“I re-emphasize, we are not declaring an end to the pandemic. There are still outbreaks happening all over the world. We are maintaining the management of the disease under our existing public health laws,” Mr. Holness said.
The country will also no longer be under curfew. Mask wearing in enclosed spaces to which the public has access will be a requirement until 15 April. However, in general, mask-wearing and physical distancing will be recommended but not mandatory.
Visitors to the island will still be required to test at least three days before travel.
- Fascinated
- Happy
- Sad
- Angry
- Bored
- Afraid