Barbados: COVID-19 curfew extended through May 31 /update 4

Event

Barbadian authorities have extended an ongoing curfew through Sunday, May 31, to prevent the further spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). The curfew was originally implemented on March 28 and is in place between the hours of 18:00 and 06:00 (local time). Under the current curfew, residents are restricted to shopping in supermarkets, fish markets, hardware stores, and banks between certain times on specific days based on the first letter of their surname, as follows:

• surnames beginning with A-B: Monday 08:00-11:00, and Friday 13:00-16:00;
• surnames beginning with C-F: Wednesday 08:00-11:00, and Saturday 13:00-16:00;
• surnames beginning with G-K: Thursday 08:00-11:00, and Monday 13:00-16:00;
• surnames beginning with L-R: Friday 08:00-11:00, and Tuesday 13:00-16:00;
• surnames beginning with S-Z: Saturday 08:00-11:00, and Wednesday 13:00-16:00;
• seniors and disabled citizens: Tuesday 08:00-11:00, and Sunday 09:00-11:00;
• health-care and other essential workers: Tuesday 13:00-16:00, and Sunday 11:00-14:00.

International air travel remains suspended, with the current restriction scheduled to remain in place until June 30. The government also stated that a further extension of this measure can not be ruled out.

Additionally, all other nonessential businesses will remain closed during the curfew, and all individuals entering Barbados are subject to a mandatory 14-day quarantine period.

On March 26, the Barbados government declared a public health emergency due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Authorities have also activated stage 3 (highest level) of the country's COVID-19 National Preparedness Plan.

As of Saturday, May 23, authorities have confirmed 90 COVID-19 cases in Barbados, with seven associated deaths. Further international spread of the virus is expected over the near term.

Context

The first case of COVID-19 was reported on December 31 and the source of the outbreak has been linked to a wet market in Wuhan (Hubei province, China). Human-to-human and patient-to-medical staff transmission of the virus have been confirmed. Many of the associated fatalities have been due to pneumonia caused by the virus.

Cases of the virus have been confirmed in numerous countries and territories worldwide. Virus-screening and quarantining measures are being implemented at airports worldwide, as well as extensive travel restrictions. On March 11, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the global outbreak a pandemic.

Pneumonia symptoms include dry cough, chest pain, fever, and trouble breathing. Pneumonia can be contagious and can be transmitted from human to human. The influenza virus, or the flu, is a common cause of viral pneumonia.

Advice

Measures adopted by local authorities evolve quickly and are usually effective immediately. Depending on the evolution of the outbreak in other countries, authorities are likely to modify, at very short notice, the list of countries whose travelers are subject to border control measures or entry restrictions upon their arrival to the territory in question. It is advised to postpone nonessential travel due to the risk that travelers may be refused entry or be subject to quarantine upon their arrival or during their stay.

To reduce the risk of transmission, travelers are advised to abide by the following measures:

• Frequently clean hands by applying an alcohol-based hand rub or washing with soap and water.
• When coughing and sneezing, cover mouth and nose with a flexed elbow or tissue; if used, throw the tissue away immediately and wash hands.
• If experiencing a fever, cough, difficulty breathing, or any other symptoms suggestive of respiratory illness, including pneumonia, call emergency services before going to the doctor or hospital to prevent the potential spread of the disease.