Grenada relaxes some curfew measures with no new coronavirus cases

ST GEORGE’S (CMC):

Health Minister Nicholas Steele says Grenada has contained the spread of COVID-19 in communities throughout the island and there is now need for everyone to continue living “the new normal lifestyles” so that the island can maintain its no new case and no death profile.

“As Grenada makes progress in the direction of the containment and eventual elimination of this virus, we cannot afford to drop our guard. We cannot afford to be less disciplined, and we cannot resort to old ways, which would threaten public health,” said Steele, who was speaking during a virtual news conference on Saturday.

He also called on Grenadians to practise proper hygiene, maintain a physical distance of six feet when possible, and wear a face covering.

Reminding citizens that the measures enforced through the Emergency Powers regulation which restrict the movement of people is in the best interest of the state, Steele said, “We have been able to contain, and protect the Grenadian citizens from any massive invasion of the virus into our country.”

The health minister said that Grenada’s successes to date are built on the foundation of the exemplary work done by medical personnel, the Royal Grenada Police Force, and the brigade of essential workers and volunteers, along with the compliance of the people, with the requirements to maintain public health safety and security.

The virtual news conference held on Saturday was to update the nation on easement measures that will become effective as of April 20 – the date on which the current state of emergency regulations expires.

Grenada has no new cases of the virus and the island has been in lockdown with a curfew restricting the movement of citizens since March 25.

According to Attorney General Darshan Ramdhani, the island will continue to be in a 24-hour curfew but it will be lifted three times in the upcoming week, with essential services being expanded to include farming, fishing, restaurant for takeout services, gas stations, accountants and bakery operations.

The focus on easing the measures is to accommodate the need for food and finance.

The curfew will be lifted from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. (local time) on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Public transportation will be not be allowed, and Ramdhani warned that it will be a violation of the regulation to have more than two persons in a vehicle.

“For the next seven days, no public transportation will be allowed to come on the road, vehicles that ply or come on the road should not carry more than two persons in a row of seat in a staggered position or formation,” he said.

Grenada has confirmed 14 COVID-19 cases, but only 13 are on the island because one returned to the United Kingdom without medical permission.

As of Friday, seven of the 13 had recovered in compliance with health protocols.