Businesses: Weekend Lockdown Caused Unintended Effects

One weekend lockdown has passed and there is two more to go.

But what is the economic impact of the weekend lockdowns and is it the best option to save lives and sustain livelihoods?

For CEO of Jamaican Teas Ltd. John  Mahfood, the government should have allowed Saturdays to be full shopping days instead of a midday lockdown.

President of the Jamaica Manufacturers and Exporters Association (JMEA), Richard Pandohie says the first-weekend lockdown caused unintended consequences as people flocked supermarkets.

He says while curfew measures can be impactful, enforcement must increase.

The government has linked the lack of compliance from many Jamaicans as to the recent spike.

Mahfood is of the view that the authorities are also to be blamed.

While making reference to the upsurge in COVID-19 cases after the independence weekend last August, both are supporting the Easter weekend lockdown as they believe it will significantly limit movement and prevent other super spreader events.

As it stands the JMEA President says Jamaicans must play their part if the country should see any real recovery.

Christeen Forbes reports for CVM Live: