PM Announces Firewall COVID-19 Restrictions to Limit Spread

As the third wave of the COVID-19 virus grows, more burdensome and infectious than the previous ones, Prime Minister Andrew Holness has announced a raft of COVID-19 restrictions and seven days of lockdown.

Speaking at an OPM media briefing on Thursday, August 19, the Prime Minister maintains until and unless vaccination take-up and COVID-19 adherence improve, there is a clear and present danger.

Rumors turned out to be true this time around when Prime Minister Andrew Holness issued the new COVID-19 measures. His decree follows weeks of rising infections and continued vaccine hesitancy. Some of his reasons were prefaced by the country’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Jacqueline Bisasor Mckenzie. The CMO says it is critical that the infection numbers decrease in an effort to not strain the health sector which is already under severe pressure.

Aside from the no movement days, however, Mr. Holness says there will be changes for churches and select gatherings once more. He noted that on Sunday, August 29 and September 5, places of worship will be allowed to have 20 members. While vaccination will continue on lockdown days persons must have their proof to show the police funerals will also be impacted again.

More in this CVM Live story from Neika Lewis: