Chillin’ time again - Holness lifts restrictions on beaches and rivers

With relaxed COVID containment measures set to take effect tomorrow, including the reopening of beaches and rivers, some members of the entertainment industry are giving Prime Minister Andrew Holness the thumbs up.

Dancehall artiste Elephant Man said he is pleased that the country is slowly reopening but said he will not be visiting any water attractions in the near future.

"When it just open, a lot of people including children and their families are going to want to go and enjoy themselves so make dem gwan and follow the rules whe di Government set," he said.

"Everyone should still practise social distancing and wear their masks. As you can see the COVID cases have gone down to about five per cent now and that is a good look. So all we have to do is follow the rules and be careful."

No more than 10 persons shall gather in any one area of the beach at a time and no beach parties are allowed. Patrons can only swim, bathe and exercise. Dancehall artiste-social media personality Queenie Lady Gangsta said the reopening of rivers and beaches is a blessing.

"Timing is everything and water is life. To know that we weren't allowed for a while and we are given back this privilege is like heaven, so well done Mr Andrew Holness. Mi would a come back a Jamaica right now just to go to the beach or the river," she said.

The ban on parties, round-robins and other events will continue. However, Holness said there will be discussions to reopen the entertainment sector, and Macka Diamond is keeping her fingers crossed.

Wash off the COVID-19 crosses

"Jamaica is a party word and we miss it so the beaches and the rivers is a good look. I can't wait to go and wash off the COVID-19 crosses. People can now go and relax because a lot of people are in lockdown and depressed and the beaches and rivers are a good escape avenue and rejuvenation for them," she said.

The new COVID containment measures will run until June 30. Stay at home order for persons 60 and older remains. However, persons in that age group who are fully vaccinated will be exempted. The work from home order remains in effect for public entities and the private sector is again encouraged to do the same. The public gathering limit also remains at 10 persons.

The islandwide nightly curfew has been extended by an hour on weekdays to 9 p.m. and by two hours on Saturdays to 8 p.m. It remains at 2 p.m. on Sundays. The new curfew times will run until July 1. Funerals are still banned, while burials will be allowed for 30 minutes on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. with 15 persons. Memorial services will be permitted as church services. Meanwhile, the limit for church services was increased from 30 to 50 people. The wedding gathering limit increased from 15 persons to 50.