Barbados to end 24-hour lockdown Monday

Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley has announced a phased reopening of government and business operations, ending a mandatory 24-hour lockdown imposed on April 3 amid the global coronavirus pandemic.

The phased reopening will begin on Monday.

However, in a national address, Mottley said the Bridgetown Port will re-open tomorrow.

Under the phased resumption, the sale of alcohol will be allowed, but no consumption will be permitted in public.

There will also be limited reopening of beaches from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. daily.

Meanwhile, effective Monday, May 4, online classes will resume for the island's students.

The public was also advised to wear masks and to practise social distancing. 

She said since the onset of COVID-19, 80 people have tested positive and seven have died.

According to Mottley, the government has spent US$37 million on the health care system and is projected to lose US$225 million in tax revenue.

However, she said the island's reserves remain healthy at US$0.8 billion.

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