BASSETERRE, St.Kitts (Saturday 28th March 2020)-The Federation of St.Kitts-Nevis is expected to be in a state of emergency for the next 14 days as the local government attempts to put measures in place to control the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) which has infected two individuals to dates, according to test results information publicised so far.
This move to restrict the movement of people in an effort to combat the spread of the disease, which Prime Minister and Minister of National Security Dr. Timothy Harris announced this morning during a pre-recorded address to the nation aired shortly after 6AM, is scheduled to begin tonight at 7PM under the COVID-19 State of Emergency regulations.
“My fellow citizens and residents, last night I asked His Excellency, our Governor General to declare a state of emergency effective 7:00PM today Saturday March 28th. All citizens and residents will be subject to a curfew between the hours of 7:00 pm and 5:00 a.m. each day for the next 14 days. This is part of our scaled-up response to contain COVID-19 and minimise harm to our people,” he outlined.
The National Security Minister also told: “We recognize that these are unusual measures which restrict the free movement of our people. However, we are in an unprecedented time and the dangers that confront our nation demand that government takes the serious measures to confront and overcome this pandemic. I emphasize that these strong measures are for 14 days, in the first instance and we shall continue to evaluate and adapt as necessary as the situation evolves.”
Notably, Businesses will be required to observe a physical distance of 6-feet between its customers in and outside of their businesses.
Please see below for the information Dr. Harris gave for the different group of workers and service providers.
FOOD SHOPPING PLACES– Wholesale or retail groceries, commercial bakeries or fruit and vegetable vendors shall open from 8AM to 5PM. For the first two hours of shopping, seniors and disabled persons and essential workers with identification shall be granted priority.
DOCTORS OFFICES ETC.-Doctors’ offices, hospital and medical facilities, pharmacies and medical establishments.
GAS STATIONS- Gas stations shall open from 6AM to 5PM.
HARDWARE STORES-Hardware stores shall open from 6AM to 5PM.
HOTELS-Hotels, excluding any casinos, spas, gyms, discotheques and restaurants therein. However, such restaurants may offer takeaway or room service.
BANKS-Banks, credit unions and money service businesses shall open from 8AM to 2PM on Mondays to Thursdays, from 8AM to 4PM on Fridays.
COMMERCIAL PORTS-Commercial ports and related businesses between 6AM to 5PM, subject to any variation by the ports authority, airports subject to regulation 10, commercial courier flights, businesses licensed to provided security guard services.
TAKE WAY FOOD VENDORS-Take way food vendors shall open from 6AM to 5PM.
INSURANCE COMPANIES-The National Caribbean Insurance Company or health insurance companies, and other such business or undertaking may be specifically exempted in writing by the Commissioner of Police
PUBLIC SERVICE-All essential workers must report to work. The secretary of cabinet will determine other category required to report to their duty.
BUS DRIVERS-Dr. Harris said given the congestion in public vehicle transport vehicles and the potential for contagion, certain restrictions to protect operators of public transport and their patrons have been imposed. He said that the National Working Group on COVID-19 met yesterday with bus operators of the three bus lines as well as ferry operators to discuss matters.