Ronald Chapman, Head of the COVID-19 Monitor Unit, assured the public that there would be no changes to COVID-19 restrictions starting Monday, February 14. This includes the lifting of the current curfew.
This assurance was made by Chapman during a COVID-19 update at Ilaro Court on Saturday afternoon.
He stated that he expected people to have many questions and that they would be able to find answers. We will continue moving slowly, but we will continue to move intentionally. [and]To ensure greater freedoms, we will incrementally increase them [and]While reducing restrictions, ensure a safe environment.
Official suggested that the country must act wisely, use good judgement, take responsibility and be our brothers keeper if it wants to see a further drop in COVID-19 case numbers and reduce restrictions.
Concerning compliance, the Head COVID-19 Monitoring Unit acknowledged the fact that it takes a community to change their behaviour. Over time, however, there has been an increase in compliance with protocols.
We saw some people who were implementing these behaviors immediately, and then we noticed others that needed a little help. As the years went by, we have seen mask-wearing become more common. You can see those that integrate physical distance, but we still have to appreciate some who break that distance.
We see that the protocols for hand washing and business place protocol are very consistent. Chapman stated that overall, there has been a good uptake of people following protocols and guidelines.
The Head of the COVID-19 Monitoring unit answered the question of whether choir practice would be allowed. However, he stressed that people would still need to follow the protocols of wearing masks, and physical distancing of at least three feet. He encouraged the public to not throw caution to the wind, given the numerous changes to the Directives. He also reminded them to keep practicing mask-wearing as well as hand sanitising. These measures have been effective in reducing the spread COVID-19, he stated.
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