By Olivia Rose From TCI Weekly News

THE TURKS and Caicos Islands will be under a three-week lockdown from Friday evening – five days after the territory confirmed its first case of COVID-19.

The 24-hour curfew means no social gatherings can be hosted, non-essential businesses must close and residents cannot leave their homes except to shop for groceries and medicines.

Inter-island travel has been halted and returning residents have been banned from travelling back to the Islands until the lockdown is over.
Residents will no longer be allowed to visit hospital patients, the prison, the detention centre, residential care homes or anyone under quarantine.
And during the three weeks, police officers have the power to stop, detain and arrest anyone in violation of these new regulations.

On Wednesday (March 25), Premier Sharlene Cartwright Robinson revealed the Government had declared a state of emergency due to the global coronavirus pandemic.

Minister of Health Hon. Edwin Astwood and Governor Nigel Dakin joined her as she addressed the nation on the latest updated regulations agreed in Cabinet.

“Emergency powers came into effect last evening under a Declared State of Emergency at midnight and this allows for ease of governance,” she said.

“We assure our people that these powers will be accessed and responsibly used for the purposes of preventing, controlling and suppressing the spread of the virus. 

“This leadership partnership that you see before you today, is vital for us at this time but your role is even more important.”
According to lockdown protocols, people must stay home except for very limited purposes. 

All non-essential shops and community spaces will be closed and all gatherings of more than two people in public are not allowed.

On Thursday, a curfew was imposed on all people and businesses from 8pm to 5am.
And on Friday at 8pm, a curfew is to be imposed every day until April 14 for 24 hours “except as provided herein or as may be approved by the governor”, the premier said.

She added that all provisions remain under review but the 24-hour curfew will remain in place for a period of 21 days.

Only essential services will be allowed to operate during the shutdown.
Cartwright Robinson stressed the move was taken in order to protect the entire population, especially the most fragile and vulnerable individuals. 

She explained what changes in societal behaviour will be expected during the lockdown.

“…residents are to shelter in place and shall remain confined to their place of residence (inclusive of their yard space) to avoid contact outside of their family, save for the exceptions provided.

“…all businesses and offices may only continue their business operations by allowing their employees to work remotely from home utilising virtual means unless workers are permitted to work under these regulations or are designated as essential services.”

She said these provisions will also be extended to the public service.

“All establishments, institutions, businesses, offices, stores and organisations shall suspend operations except those designated as essential services in the regulations and for the hours permitted.”

The premier added that it is now a punishable offence to spread false information regarding the pandemic.

Police powers

In an effort to enforce the Government’s strict curfew, the police force will be given extraordinary powers to ensure people adhere to the law.

“A police officer has the power to stop, detain and arrest any in violation of these regulations.

“No one shall obstruct any officer empowered under these regulations to carry out their duties.

“And no person shall declare the sale or offer of sale of goods during this period of public emergency at an unconscionable price.”

Stricter social distancing protocols will also be implemented for those offering and accessing essential services to suppress the spread of the virus.

“…no person shall host or attend any social gatherings except those approved by the governor on the advice of the Ministry of Health,” the premier added.

Last week the Government cancelled all public gatherings including the Inter Primary School Sports, conferences and the weekly Islands Fish Fry. Public beaches will be closed as well.

Cartwright Robinson revealed that during the 21 days there will be a restriction on visitation at facilities.

“…there will no visits to anyplace of quarantine, to a patient at the hospital or under residential care at a facility, the detention centre or the prison.

“Effective today, all returning residents are banned from returning to TCI for a period of 21 days. We have now agreed to take this step following our repeated appeals.”

All inter-island travel will also be restricted except for those accessing essential services.

The premier further explained that the governor shall have the power to requisition any building, ship, aircraft and vehicle with notice during this period of emergency.

“He shall likewise have the power to reasonably requisition management and control of any essential service.”

Difficult times ahead

Cartwright Robinson stressed that although the Government is doing everything in its power to protect the nation, the onus rests upon every individual to do their bit.

“This hand has been dealt to every country across the globe, has challenged us not just as leaders but as citizens to take proactive steps

“In these times, governments do have a responsibility to aid our people, and as promised, TCI Government like a few governments thus far will present a list of measures.

 
“Countries dealing with the fallout have had to juggle figures that are shifting by the day.

“The response of the TCI has been a measured one and one that has looked around sectors to see how we can assist individuals and businesses.”

Cartwright Robinson said the situation remains volatile and as such she encouraged everyone to be prudent with their budgets and spending during this crisis.

“As we are all uncertain of the length of this period, we ask that you tighten your boot strap where you are able to and consider the uncertainty. 

“Whilst TCI Government will do what it can, we ask corporate citizens to not close their bowels of compassion and we ask us as individual citizens to be our brothers’ keepers.

“We need each other. The road ahead may become increasingly difficult. 

“These are indeed uncertain times but I remain confident that if we take individual responsible action, we can come through this the best way possible.

“This uncertainty does not make us powerless. In fact, this empowers each of us to take this matter seriously and in our own hands and it has rewarded those who act responsibly together.”

She told residents to partner with the Government by breaking contacting and by heeding the Ministry of Health’s practical advice.

“Wash your hands properly or use a 70 percent alcohol based sanitisers, cover your cough and/or sneeze and disposable of any tissue properly, avoid touching your mouth, eyes and nose, sanitise frequently used surfaces including your cell phone and practice social distancing.”

For more on this story go to; https://tcweeklynews.com/tci-under-complete-lockdown-from-saturday-p10493-127.htm