From Turks and Caicos Weekly News

THE TURKS and Caicos Islands will no longer be on lockdown and will undergo a “phased reopening” from Monday (May 4).

Beaches, certain stores and businesses will be allowed to open with restrictions but schools, island-to-island and international travel will remain closed until June 1. 

The easing of the rules was announced by Premier Sharlene Cartwright Robinson during her joint address to the nation with Governor Nigel Dakin on Thursday evening.

She explained that physical distancing protocols need to be followed, people must wear a mask or face covering and there should be strictly no public gathering of over four people.

A night time curfew will remain in place from 8pm to 5am until May 25 and the territory will continue to be on full lockdown every Sunday.

The premier told residents over 65 to remain isolated and urged those with underlying health conditions to do the same.

A list of restrictions, including the imposition of a national curfew, came into effect when Governor Nigel Dakin declared a state of emergency in the TCI on March 24.

His announcement triggered the use of the Emergency Powers Ordinance allowing him to introduce rules, with guidance from the Government, forgoing the usual legislative process.

The lockdown, which was set to run from March 27 until May 4 after being extended from April 14, will now be lifted and certain restrictions withdrawn.

The decision was made following a two-day meeting ending on Wednesday after an 11-hour Cabinet session in collaboration with the TCI’s health leaders.

It came from an understanding of the readiness of the healthcare system to an increase in cases, support for whole of territory testing and the anticipation of a roll back to restrictions.

“The decision as to what comes next is not a decision that anyone in the position of leadership at this time has taken lightly,” Cartwright Robinson said.

“We remain guided by the main principle that life-saving measures must take precedence over the economy, and this alone is not an easy decision but a right one for political leaders across the globe.

“While we have to balance these two important and sometimes opposing determinants, we wish to assure you the people that this approach remains heavily based on Ministry of Health’s advice.”
The changes are as following:

May 4

Physical distancing protocols will remain in place and the Government now mandates the wearing of masks or improvised face coverings when out in public.

Use of beaches and individual watersports can resume for the purposes of fitness and recreation.

There should be strictly no gathering of over four adults, and any gathering must consist of only those living in one household. No alcohol should be taken onto the beach.

Individual fitness is allowed at any time outside the hours of curfew. This does not include any form of team sport.

Residents may drive to their place of outdoor exercise, which can include the beach.

Hardware stores will be permitted to open once they meet the protocols established by the Public and Environmental Health Department.

These businesses will assist homeowners in DIY projects around the home as well as in the preparation of homes for the hurricane season commencing June 1.

Self-sustaining fishermen will be permitted to undertake activities to support and sustain their families through their businesses.

So long as strict social distancing can be observed, office-based services will be permitted to operate with four or fewer persons in the office at a time.

In terms of duty of care to their staff, the Government expects employers to make the case to themselves and their staff as to why someone should require a physical presence.

Employers should look to implement shift work and to ensure that staff work in the smallest groups possible to achieve the recommended physical distance in the workplace.

There is no requirement to apply for exemptions to the Governor’s Office.

The 911 database that has been developed will be kept should there be a requirement to revert to present lockdown and curfew conditions.

May 10

Churches should remain virtual, but they may have up to ten people inside the church who are actively involved in the delivery of the service.

Social distancing protocols must be adhered to.

  
Attendance at funeral services is also limited to ten persons. Other social gatherings remain restricted.

May 11

Restaurants that choose to provide a takeaway service are permitted to open for takeaway only with careful protocols in place including strict social distancing.

Public and Environmental Health Departments will issue guidance in advance and will be making unannounced spot visits.

Public health and police officers will have the power to close a business immediately if they feel the establishment or surroundings are unsafe.

A limited number of key government departments will reopen to provide critical services to the territory.

This will be done on the basis of a reduced staffing and customer service plan that allows for appropriate social distancing.

The Government’s model will be used as the basis for guidelines for statutory bodies and businesses.

It “will lead the way in demonstrating how a responsible employer behaves”, the premier said.

All retail grocery stores are able to open. Public and Environmental Health Departments will bring together guidance for this industry in advance.

Spot checks by environmental health officers will have the power to close any business immediately if protocols are not being met and police may do the same.

Construction and hardware stores will be permitted to open.

There will be Government-led engagement with the construction sector after issuance of draft guidelines by the Public and Environment Health Departments in the coming days.

Related supply businesses, including electrical and plumbing stores and ancillary businesses are expected to begin opening in support of the construction industry.

Continued restrictions 

International travel will remain closed until at least June 1.
The premier will be establishing a stakeholder engagement group with the hospitality sector guided by the Ministry of Health.

This will support and inform the work that will be required to start to reopen the Islands to international tourism.

A night-time curfew will remain in place from 8pm to 5am each day, and this will continue until 5am on Monday, May 25.

All businesses will be closed on a Sunday and Sunday will remain a day of lockdown and curfew. Wednesday will revert to a normal working day.

People over the age of 65 years should continue to shelter in at home.

Those with underlying health conditions are also very strongly encouraged to shelter at home and work from home wherever possible.

All businesses, unless otherwise exempted, should continue to work and operate from home.

Schools and educational institutions will remain closed until June 1, with the use of virtual learning to keep students engaged. This will remain under review.

Restrictions on domestic travel will continue until June 1, with the exception of Salt Cay and Grand Turk which is considered as one island community, and Middle Caicos and North Caicos as another island community.  

Those who need to return to their home islands from Providenciales cannot do so yet.

This will become available once on-island testing is established and persons can be tested, and quarantined if necessary, before their return.

The Cruise Port will remain closed until June 30. This decision will remain under review and will follow advice from the Centres for Disease Control and the World Health Organisation.

Penalties for publication of false statements, a duty to provide information to health officials and application to Justice of the Peace will remain as mandated.

Restrictions on visitation will continue until June 1 in any place of quarantine or isolation station, and residential care establishments.

People can also not yet visit a patient in a hospital or facility, except a responsible adult in the case of a child.

Extremely limited visitation can be considered for detainees at detention centres, prisons and police cells with the appropriate application of social distancing.

There must be access by video link, audio or phone for attorneys at the detention centres, prisons and police cells. (By Rebecca Bird)

For more on this story go to; https://tcweeklynews.com/lockdown-over-on-monday-p10596-149.htm