PM Urges Strict Adherence To Lockdown Guidelines

Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, is appealing for residents of St. Catherine to strictly adhere to the guidelines for the seven-day lockdown of the parish.

The lockdown, from 5:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 15, through to 5:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 22, comes in the wake of 32 new confirmed cases of the coronavirus (COVID-19) within a 24-hour period, 31 of which are linked to a call centre located in Portmore.

The new additions bring the total number of confirmed cases of the virus in Jamaica to 105 to date.

“The first rule of the lockdown is that if you have any form of flu-like or respiratory illness with symptoms, stay home,” the Prime Minister said during a digital press conference from Jamaica House on Tuesday (April 14).

“More than that, isolate yourself. Stay in your house, stay away from people as much as you can. If you are ill… coughing, sneezing (or) having a fever; stay home. You are not required to go to work, no matter how essential you are. The Orders that will be in place will take the obligation off you to come to work,” he noted.

The Prime Minister said there will be two days for restocking – Wednesday, April 15 and Saturday, April 18.

Persons 65 years and older, pregnant women and disabled individuals, will be allowed to pursue the essentials of life between 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. on the designated restocking days.

“These are the days we expect our citizens to restock their cupboards and refill their prescriptions,” the Prime Minister said.

“I would advise that you go to the nearest point to get your stocks refilled and return home immediately,” he noted.
The Prime Minister said the police and military have been advised to assist these persons, and allowances will be made for medical emergencies.

Meanwhile, persons with surnames from A to M will be allowed to go out from 10: 00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., and those with surnames N to Z will go out between 1:30 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.

The Prime Minister said that persons going on the road must have identification (ID) and be prepared to explain their situation to the police, if they are stopped.

“The identification should be either a Government-issued ID, which would be your passport or the voters ID or the driver’s licence. We would also consider IDs issued by various ministries, departments and agencies, as long as they have a photograph which is visible,” he noted.

In addition, he said that all persons commuting in St. Catherine must wear masks or scarves that cover their nose and mouth, and maintain social distancing.

“Though we are going for seven days [with the lockdown for St. Catherine], it is likely that it could go for 14 [days],” the Prime Minister said.