Gov't announces phased reopening of theme parks, zoos, gyms

The government has announced the phased reopening of additional recreational venues.

Effective June 15 to 30, rafting venues, theme parks, zoos and gyms will be open to the public but under strict conditions.

Beaches were opened on June 7 and will remain accessible until June 30.

In April, attractions across the island were closed as the government moved to limit the spread of COVID-19.

At a Jamaica House press conference on Friday, Local Government Minister Desmond McKenzie said the measures will be assessed daily.

Rafting will resume at Jamaica’s two major rafting areas - Rio Grande in Portland and Martha Brae in Trelawny - between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m.

Raft captains should be at least six feet away from guests.

"Only two guests plus the raft captain must be on each raft. Only persons visiting from the same family or group must be allowed on the raft together,” McKenzie said, adding that life vests must be washed daily.

Meanwhile, rides and play areas at parks and zoos will be off limits.

"The only activity that will take place in the theme parks and zoos is the viewing of animals and guests will not be permitted to touch the animals," McKenzie explained.

Only 50 percent of the full visitor capacity will be allowed and the relevant protocols should visibly be displayed, he further said.

McKenzie said where lines are to be formed at venues, patrons must stand six feet apart.

Operators are expected to install sanitisation stands and conduct temperature checks and masks must be worn at all times by visitors and staff.

The local government minister explained that gyms will be allowed to open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily and should only accommodate half the capacity.

Gym users are being encouraged to take their own towels and mats and operators are expected to put in place a sanitisation regime for equipment.

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