Barbados Announces Phased Reopening from March 1

Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Mottley announced Thursday night that when the three-and-a-half-week lockdown ends on February 28, businesses will be allowed to reopen in phases, but a 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew will remain in place.

Motley said the “science and efforts of all recognize sharp shutdown but gradual reopening”, and that was the approach her government was advised to take “and it is the one that we shall take”.

Barbadians have been on a “national pause” since February 3, with most commerce reduced to a bare minimum. Supermarkets, bakeries, gas stations were among the handful of businesses allowed to operate during the period.

However, Prime Minister Mottley said that from March 1, construction, agriculture, fisheries, auto repair and manufacturing services will also be allowed to resume. Hardware, appliance, farm and gardening, plumbing and electronic and IT stores will also reopen.

Fast food restaurants will be allowed to operate drive-thrus, curbside pickup, and delivery, but indoor dining will not be permitted. Markets will also reopen.

- Advertisement -

Additionally, Prime Minister Mottley said, Government entities like the post office, law courts, registry and land registry will reopen, and administrative offices can reopen with minimum staff.

However, Prime Minister said individuals who can work effectively at home should continue to do so.

Among those businesses that are still on pause are boutiques, barbers, hairdressers and nail technicians.

“We’re going to get to you, but at this point in time the Ministry of Health has advised that they would wish to limit it,” Prime Minister Mottley said.

Gyms, massage parlours will also remain closed. However, in addition to the 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. period currently allowed for exercise outdoors, a 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. period has been added.

Under the phased reopening, businesses will be closed on Sundays, except for gas stations which will be permitted to open to sell fuel only.

Prime Minister Mottley urged residents to follow the directives and protocols so Barbados can reduce the COVID-19 numbers.

“I know that we have what it takes to rise above this moment in time. I ask you, therefore, let us as people who have the honour and privilege of living on this blessed rock to do the right thing to each other, for each other, with each other and stay the course. Let us battle this pandemic as I know we can and shall,” she said.

The latest COVID-19 statistics, available for testing up to Wednesday, showed that Barbados had recorded 2,949 cases since March 2020, with 746 of them being active.

The total number of deaths stood at 32.

“I’m confident that following the last two weeks of pause and the last weekend of stop, with the continuation of restrictions our numbers shall bottom out and begin to decline,” Prime Minister Mottley said.

“But I’m also resolute that if they don’t I’m going to be back here and we’re going to apply brakes,” she cautioned.

CMC

More Stories

Audrey Marks, Delano Seiveright

Senators Audrey Marks, Delano Seiveright appointed to ministerial roles

Jamaica's Prime Minister Andrew Holness has appointed two newly sworn-in government senators, Audrey Marks and Delano Seiveright, to ministerial positions, reinforcing his Administration’s focus...
Antigua and Barbuda says it will accept nationals deported from the US

Antigua and Barbuda seeks clarification on draft US travel ban proposal

The government of Antigua and Barbuda has formally sought clarification from the United States following reports that the Caribbean nation could be among the...
Andrew Holness

Jamaica’s Prime Minister Andrew Holness hints at election announcement ‘very soon’

Jamaica's Prime Minister Andrew Holness has hinted that the countdown to general elections has begun, telling supporters that “every Jamaican will be called upon...
Marco Rubio

US applauds Belize’s democratic elections, pledges continued partnership

The United States has congratulated Prime Minister John Briceño on his re-election, reaffirming its commitment to strengthening bilateral ties with Belize. In an official statement,...
Mr Justice Andrew Burgess

CCJ to host special sitting for Justice Andrew Burgess’s retirement

The Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) will hold a Special Sitting on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, to honor the retirement of the Honourable Mr...
cocaine bust Guyanese nationals

Guyanese nationals among six arrested in massive cocaine bust off West Africa

Four Guyanese nationals are among six crew members arrested after authorities discovered 6.3 tonnes of cocaine aboard a Guyana-flagged vessel off the West African...
US travel ban

Saint Lucia and St. Kitts & Nevis respond to reports of US travel ban

The governments of Saint Lucia and St. Kitts & Nevis have responded to media reports suggesting that their nations are included in a draft...
US travel ban

Caribbean nations included on draft US travel ban proposal

According to a report by The New York Times, the Trump administration is considering a new travel ban that would affect several Caribbean nations. The...
NMIA Jamaica Norman Manley International Airport

Fire at Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston disrupts flights

Emergency responders worked overnight to contain a fire that broke out in the Club Kingston VIP Departure Lounge at Norman Manley International Airport (NMIA)...
Guyana Government to assist sugar workers

Guyana in diplomatic talks with US over Cuban medical missions sanctions

The Government of Guyana is engaged in diplomatic discussions with the United States to address concerns over the expansion of US restrictions on Cuba’s...

Latest Articles

Skip to content