Government Institutes 14-day Curfew in Antigua and Barbuda

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The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda determined that circumstances in Antigua and Barbuda have sufficiently changed with the onset of the Covid-19 crisis so as to declare a State of Emergency which now exists under Section 20 of the Constitution Order of Antigua and Barbuda 1981.

The Governor General has been advised, on that basis to declare: A State of Emergency in Antigua and Barbuda.

Commencing at midnight on Saturday March, 28, 2020, for a period of 14 days or up until April 11, 2020, a curfew will enter into effect from 8:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m. and continuing daily until April 11, 2020. The Royal Police Force of Antigua and Barbuda and The Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force will patrol the streets of Antigua and Barbuda to ensure compliance with the curfew hours.

All essential services workers, include: Doctors, Nurses, Hospital Orderlies and Administrative Staff, Caregivers, employees of the Central Government and of Statutory Bodies (who are to be advised by their senior managers), the media, Judges, meteorological services, Lawyers and support staff, Air Traffic Controllers, Police Officers, Soldiers, Workers at Clinics, Elderly Care Workers, sanitary workers, Customs, Immigration, security personnel, air and sea  port employees and any other essential employees.

Employees of Wholesalers, Supermarkets and Bakeries (shall close in time for staff to arrive home at 8:00 pm), of Pharmacies, of Banks, of Gas Stations and Tire Repair Shops, of Call Centers, all Construction Workers and Media Workers are regarded as essential workers for this purpose but shall maintain social distance.

Bars, Clubs, places of entertainment and Gyms are to close today Friday, March 27, 2020, by midnight. Restaurants are encouraged to remain open in order to serve takeaway meals only, to include breakfasts and lunches.

 

Hotels with occupants are required to remain open and therefore, hotel employees are considered as essential for this purpose.  It must be noted that gaming rooms, spas, gyms, tennis courts and any other recreational services provided by hotels are not allowed.  In-room dining are also advised.

All non-essential services and businesses are to remain closed for two weeks, in the first instance, during the State of Emergency.

Drivers of all buses shall wear masks and all passengers shall also wear masks; the Government of Antigua and Barbuda will provide ten thousand masks for bus drivers and passengers shortly, however, it is recommended that they purchase their own.

Sports Clubs and athletic associations shall advise their members that no more than twenty-five persons are allowed to congregate at any one time, and that they must return to their homes before 8:00 p.m. during the State of the Emergency.

Funerals and weddings shall not exceed the twenty-five-person rule and social distancing shall be practiced. Antigua and Barbuda’s borders are also closed to incoming Yachts at the commencement of the Curfew on Saturday night.

Meanwhile, all public servants and pensioners were paid today, as directed by the Prime Minister. The National Security Council met today at 4:00 p.m. to ensure the efficacy of Cabinet’s Decisions.

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5 COMMENTS

  1. Time to look ahead everyone cannot be caught up in now as the PM said “And this to shall pass”….

    When will the cabinet name a task force to strategies how we rebuild the country?

    Hurricane season is around the corner, so when will a task force be named to look at a comprehensive plan for the hurricane season. Bearing in mind resources are already stretched and scarce.

    What is the plan for all the non citizens utilizing the extension and work permit systems? I can see bands and restrictions on both in the near future…..

    Lighten the load….and the lift becomes that much easier…

    By the way what is the OECS and CARICOM plan in the COVID19 crisis? I am yet to hear any official position or statement from the two bodies. Looks like in cricis every man for him or herself…. So much for unity…

    Africa appears to be managing quite well is it possible for the reparation group reach out to Africa for assistance since all other developed countries are stretched?

  2. So far our government is doing an excellent job in managing this crisis. It is up we the people to follow the guidelines in order to keep this plaque at bay.By doing this, it would be much easier for Antigua to recover after this crisis had passed.

  3. The People’s Government is to be commended for the manner in which they are handling this crises. All patriotic people must do their part. Offenders must be punished…as an example and a reminder.

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