PM Adjusts ENDS for Essential Workers

Prime Minister Andrew Holness announced plans to loosen the ENDS programme for essential workers during curfew hours and on no movement days, in an address to the nation on Wednesday, September 1. His decree follows a story aired on CVM Live on Tuesday, August 31, where several essential workers complained they were unable to access food and other essential items on no movement days unless they utilized the ENDS app. The Prime Minister also amended the list of exempt workers to include farmers and fisherfolk.

The first half of September will see more no movement days; this is according to the Prime Minister. With the increasing COVID-19 cases and a positivity rate of over 40%, the Prime Minister says tighter measures have to be implemented. He notes that the main struggle in the health sector is capacity and to keep cases at a minimum. This he says is similar in wealthier nations while adding the Government must invest more in the sector.

The PM notes while the restrictions remain in effect, the various blitz sites across the island will remain open for persons to receive their vaccine jabs during the curfew hours. Also added to the list of essential groups are farmers and members of the fisherfolk. However, various members of essential groups to have proper identification on the no-movement days.

More in this CVM Live story from Javine Mclean: