JPL games now open to all

Chairman Christopher Williams says Professional Football Jamaica Limited (PFJL) is prepared to accommodate both unvaccinated and vaccinated spectators for this weekend's Jamaica Premier League games without compromising any health standards.

The second weekend of games at Sabina Park will require no vaccination cards for entry, allowing all fans to return. The move comes as the orders under the Disaster Risk Management Act (DRMA) were withdrawn by Prime Minister Andrew Holness on Thursday. The decision which took effect on Friday removes the restrictions that were implemented to curtail the spread of COVID-19.

Williams says that the sanitisation measures will still be in place and that a low positivity rate allows for more relaxed measures while not abandoning health protocols.

"All analysis points to a low risk of spread so let us take this window that we have, let us enjoy our opportunity to see games, but of course, always continue to protect ourselves," Williams told THE WEEKEND STAR. "We are not suggesting that you go crazy, we are suggesting that you continue to protect yourselves."

Jamaica reported a 4.8 per cent positivity rate on Wednesday, continuing a low trend for the month of March. March 10 and 11 were the only days that Jamaica reported a positivity rate above five per cent. February 16 was the last time that Jamaica reported a positivity rate in double digits.

Williams says that welcoming back all spectators regardless of their status does not mean an absence of caution, with patrons being encouraged to wear their masks and sanitise, although the Government's mandate has been updated to now say masks are required in enclosed spaces until April 15.

"The Prime Minister is not saying that COVID-19 is over," Williams said. "But what he is saying is that he is giving us the opportunity to manage it ourselves. It is not a free for all."

However, sports medicine specialist Dr Paul Wright says the PFJL will find challenges with crowd control with mandates more relaxed.

"From a medical point of view, we need a longer period of the positivity rate being below five per cent before we start relaxing measures," Wright said. "The promoters are going to have to try and manage it. I just hope that we are not going to see another wave in the next two weeks."

Vere United will take on Waterhouse at 3 p.m. on Saturday, and Arnett Gardens and Tivoli Gardens will meet in the first west Kingston derby of the season at 5:15 p.m.