By Francis H. Murray
The National COVID-19 Emergency Response Center (NACOVERC) has in its recent review of the Covid-19 pandemic prevention measures extended the national-wide night curfew from 5: am to midnight.
A press release issued on Wednesday 17th February, announced that bars and restaurants are permitted to operate everyday outside of curfew hours but expected to adhere to all COVID-19 rules as well as be shot down in ample time against curfew.
“Bars and restaurants are permitted to operate everyday outside curfew hours, but expected to shut down in ample time against curfew, and shall strictly adhere to the COVID-19 rules and regulations. At least one handing washing station with clean water and soap must be at the entrance of all the venues at all times,” the statement reads.
The extension of the curfew comes amid serious concerns raised by members of the public in respect of constraints they face with transportation to meet with the 10: pm curfew.
The most recent of such concerns came from members of Parliament who asked the Parliamentary Committee on transportation to look into the timing of curfew and see what possible adjustments could be made to cushion its effect on ordinary citizens.
The response team also cautioned that staff and customers inside the bars and restaurants must wear face masks correctly when they’re not eating or drinking as well as observe social distancing.
All clubs and their related activities remain banned while the wearing of facemasks in public spaces and public transportation remain mandatory with strict enforcement.
The release further noted that places of worship are only allowed to hold services for 1hour 30 minutes with thorough infection prevention and control (IPC) cleaning before and after services, adding that all sporting activities shall only be conducted at the National Sports Authority announced venues without any spectators.
The response team also urged MDAs as well as non-state actors to preface all their meetings and activities with COVID-19 messages as well as ensure full compliance.
“All public meetings and activities conducted by Ministries Department and Agencies of Governments as well as by non-state actors shall be prefaced with COVID-19 prevention messages and compliance fully enforced”
It further encouraged the general public to remain vigilant as well as observe all the safety protocols to keep communities and families safe.
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