Bars to reopen on May 19 - But operators must follow strict rules

Community bar operators can breathe a sigh of relief, following Prime Minister Andrew Holness' announcement yesterday that they will be allowed to open for a probationary period of two weeks, effective May 19.

"It is a risky action to take ... the Government acknowledges that. This is a probationary period. We are giving you seven days' notice to put in place the measures. Sample inspections will be done to ensure that there is compliance," Holness said.

Meanwhile, Desmond McKenzie, minister of community development, says the prolonged operations of community bars throughout the COVID-19 crisis is dependent on whether bar operators abide by the strict rules that have been put in place.

Social and physical distancing must remain in effect, with an adjustment to the numbers. That is, no more than five persons, including the bar operator, must be present in the bar simultaneously. Persons are still required to be six feet apart.

Get registered

All community bars must use the opportunity to get registered if they are without the proper certifications.

All seating arrangements outside the bars must be maintained, with physical distancing of six feet between each single seating unit. Also, there should be no stools, benches, chairs or tables for persons within the bar.

No group games such as dominoes or ludo are permitted inside the bar or on the premises occupying the bar, and poker boxes and other gambling and gaming instruments must be placed at least six feet apart to ensure social and physical distancing.

All events that promote gatherings are banned, such as parties and round robins, and it is mandatory that bar doors and windows remain open during the operating hours.

All persons operating the bars are encouraged to wear masks and protective clothing.

Each bar must establish a sanitation station for the proper washing of hands and maintaining sanitation protocols and there must be proper signage being displayed to advise persons of the protocols.

Persons age 65 and older are being advised to avoid the community bars once they are opened.

"The Jamaica Constabulary Force, municipal police, the Social Development Commission and Ministry of Health will inspect and ensure that all these protocols are observed. This method of inspection will last during the 14 days to ensure that they comply, because failure to make the system work, will probably prevent us from extending the period of operation for these bars," McKenzie warned.

Holness warned that if there is any transmission that is linked to any such facility, the Government will immediately revert to the original position to close the bars.