While expressing concern over the number of people on the streets of New Providence during the 24-hour curfew and admonishing residents to take seriously anti-COVID-19 measures like social distancing, Prime Minister Dr. Hubert Minnis yesterday announced that a number of businesses, including hardware stores, plant nurseries and auto part stores, will be allowed to operate.
“I am alarmed by the number of people out on the road during the 24-hour curfew this past week,” said Minnis at a press conference at the Office of the Prime Minister.
“In some areas, it was hard to tell that the country was under a curfew at all. The longer it takes to stop the spread of COVID-19, the longer it will take to end the curfews and lockdowns and fully reopen our economy.
“The decision as to when to reopen parts of the economy and to get people back to work rests in all of our hands… Our collective action will help to determine a number of timelines.
“This is not the time to go for a drive or an unnecessary trip to the grocery store. This is the time to stay at home.”
The country returns to a 24-hour curfew this morning after being on a complete lockdown over the weekend.
One month ago, Minnis imposed the national curfew and ordered the closure of non-essential businesses in an effort to fight the spread of COVID-19.
However, yesterday, he announced that auto part stores will be allowed to open on Tuesdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Hardware and home stores will be allowed to open on Wednesdays and Fridays from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Plant nurseries will be allowed to operate on Mondays and Thursdays from 6 a.m. to noon.
Landscaping and property maintenance will now fall under essential businesses and will be allowed to operate on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Minnis said, as with other businesses, physical distancing must be adhered to.
He also announced that construction on Family Islands will be allowed to resume and that hardware, lumber and plumbing businesses that cater to construction will be allowed to open on weekdays from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
However, he noted that construction workers will have to wear face masks.
“You must wear a protective face mask at all times,” he said.
“Please wash your hands often and thoroughly for at least 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
“Employers must provide their employees who are serving the general public with masks and appropriate protective equipment and measures. If not, the employer could face a fine.”
Minnis said store owners could also be fined for allowing customers who are not wearing masks into their stores.
Shopping schedule
Last week, the prime minister temporarily suspended an alphabetical shopping schedule that had been recently implemented.
Yesterday, Minnis said, “I wish to announce that the government has decided to continue the shopping schedule implemented last week.”
The general public is allowed to shop from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays.
The first two hours are reserved for senior citizens and individuals with disabilities.
Essential workers will be allowed to shop from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays and the farmer’s market on Gladstone Road will be allowed to open on Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. for essential workers.
Essential workers are also allowed to shop throughout the week.
“To help identify essential workers, every Bahamian and resident will be required to carry valid government-issued ID when in public,” Minnis said.
He said identification includes a passport, National Insurance Board (NIB) card, driver’s license or voter’s card.
The post Green light to reopen appeared first on The Nassau Guardian.
source https://thenassauguardian.com/2020/04/20/green-light-to-reopen/
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