All businesses in Barbados have been given the all clear to reopen on Monday, June 15, 2020 following the country’s restriction of various services in the fight against COVID-19.
Prime Minister of Barbados, the Hon. Mia Amor Mottley, made the announcement stating that the decision was made based on public health recommendations, in conjunction with the private sector. To date, there have been 96 confirmed cases, 83 total recoveries and seven deaths. The active cases remain in isolation and are receiving care from the Ministry of Health and Wellness.
Speaking on the country’s response to and its handling of COVID-19 so far, the Prime Minister said that “we have done well in the past three months and I pray that we continue to do well.”
Focus on health and safety
Miss Mottley outlined that while businesses such as gyms have been given clearance to reopen, the health and safety protocols outlined by the Ministry of Health and Wellness must be closely followed. These include wearing face masks, increased sanitising of facilities, and practising social distancing.
“I’m authorising this phased reopening of a lot of our businesses, services and sports activity in Barbados, consistent with the adherence to the set protocols especially as they relate to physical distancing and density and other PPE considerations,” she stated.
She also relaxed previously implemented measures to allow for the return of sporting activity without spectators, and social events with up to 250 attendees. All restrictions have also been removed from public parks and beaches. However, residents remain under curfew on weekends, from Friday to Sunday, between the hours of 10 p.m. and 5 a.m.
Tourism to reopen cautiously
Barbados’ air space is set to reopen to commercial flights within the first two weeks of July. Next week, the Government of Barbados will be meeting with various social partners to discuss the next phase which covers border reopenings and protocols.
Mottley also added that the Government will be launching a series of initiatives to spruce up Barbados and ensure the country is ready to welcome visitors to a pristine island. “If we want to welcome people back here, whether it is family or friend or business associate or visitor, we have to welcome them to a pristine looking island. We have to return the ‘wow factor’ to our beaches. We have to also make sure that driving around Barbados will cause people to say, ‘what a beautiful countryside.’”
Another update address by the Prime Minister, following consultations with social partners, is scheduled for next week.
More updates on Barbados’ response to COVID-19 can be found at https://gisbarbados.gov.bb/covid-19/.
ENDS
For more information on Barbados please contact Niamh Waters, email niamh@travelmedia.ie or call +353 86 0492394
About Barbados
The island of Barbados offers the most authentic Caribbean experience with its exceptionally rich culture and history rooted in remarkable landscapes. Rated as one of the world’s sexiest beaches in 2008 by Concierge.com; Barbados’ Crane Beach in St. Philip stands as a premier destination for travellers. Barbados is also the first Zagat-rated Caribbean island and is known as the culinary capital of the Caribbean. Barbados has hosted several world class events including: The annual Barbados Food & Rum Festival; the 2006 PGA World Golf Championships-Barbados World Cup, the ICC Cricket World Cup Finals in 2007, the Sentebale Charity Polo match with Prince Harry of Wales in 2010, and the ICC Twenty20 Cricket Finals for 2010, and the Rihanna LOUD concert in 2012. Accommodations range from picturesque plantation houses and villas, to quaint bed and breakfasts and award-winning, five-star resorts. Grantley Adams International Airport offers even more non-stop and direct service from a growing number of U.S. cities, making Barbados the true gateway to the Eastern Caribbean. Barbados was voted eighth in the World by Trip Advisor’s “2008 Travelers’ Choice Destination Awards” in its Top 100 Destinations category. For more information on travel to Barbados, visit www.visitbarbados.org, follow on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/VisitBarbados, via Twitter @Barbados.