Gazette January 6, 2022 Part A Emergency Directive

Jan 6, 2022 | Covid-19 Directives and Protocols, Part A

S.I. 2022 No. 1: Emergency Management (COVID-19) (Curfew) Directive, 2022.

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Printed and Published by

the Barbados Government Printing Department

6th January, 2022

S.I. 2022 No. 1

Emergency Management (COVID-19) (No. 2) Order, 2021

S.I. 2021 No. 61

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT (COVID-19) (CURFEW) DIRECTIVE, 2022

WHEREAS pursuant to paragraph 15 of the Emergency Management (COVID-19) (No. 2) Order, 2021 (S.I. 2021 No. 61) made under the Emergency Management Act, Cap. 160A, it is provided that the Prime Minister on the advice of the Chief Medical Officer may issue a directive requiring every person to observe such physical distancing and associated protocols in the interest of public health as may be specified;

AND WHEREAS a public health emergency exists in Barbados;

The Prime Minister, by virtue of the power and authority vested in her and on the advice of the Chief Medical Officer pursuant to paragraph 15 of the Emergency Management (COVID-19) (No. 2) Order, 2021, hereby issues the following Directive:

1. This Directive may be cited as the Emergency Management

(COVID-19) (Curfew) Directive, 2022.

2.(1)

Subject to subparagraph (2), a curfew is hereby imposed throughout

Barbados from midnight to 5:00 am every day for the duration of this Directive.

  1. Notwithstanding subparagraph (1), there shall be no curfew from midnighton the 19th day of January, 2022 to 5:00 a.m. on the 20th day of January, 2022.
    3.(1)No person shall leave his residence during the curfew periodsspecified in paragraph 2, unless
    1. the person is an employee or member of an essential service; or
    2. the person has an emergency.
      1. Every employee or member of an essential service shall have on his personat all times, evidence of his employment by, or membership of, as the case may be, such a service.
      2. Any person who gives false or misleading information to a member of thePolice Service, the Defence Force or a member of the COVID-19 Protocol Monitoring Unit, in this Directive referred to as “the Unit”, as to his reason for leaving his residence between the periods specified in subparagraph (1) contravenes this Directive.
      3. The Attorney General may, on request made to him through www.gov.bb,
      grant an exemption to any person or business affected by subparagraph (1).
      4. All businesses, establishments, organizations and persons shallcomply with this Directive.
      5.(1)Subject to this Directive, all businesses, establishments andorganizations are permitted to open and operate daily.
      1. Notwithstanding subparagraph (1),
        1. night clubs shall be closed; and
        2. those restaurants commonly called fast-food restaurants are prohibited from providing in-house dining but may provide pick-up, drive through and delivery services,for the duration of this Directive.
      2. No person shall consume food or drink inside a bar or a rum shop but mayconsume such items outdoors.
      3. Gyms, dance and exercise studios shall only operate in accordance withprotocols issued by the Unit.
      4. The operators of businesses and establishments may permit their staff towork remotely where the operations can continue effectively if the staff work remotely.
      5. Subject to this subparagraph, meetings shall be held virtually whenever
      they can be efficiently and effectively conducted.
      6.(1)shall
      (a)The owner or operator of any business, establishment or organization
      ensure that
      1. the staff of the business, establishment or organization; and
      2. all persons who enter the business, establishment or organization,
      comply with the physical distancing protocols;
      1. provide hand sanitizing stations for staff and all persons who enter the business, establishment or organization;
      2. restrict the number of persons within and outside the business, establishment or organization at any one time in order to ensure that a physical distance of at least
        1. 6 feet, in the case of persons within a building; and
        2. 3 feet, in the case of persons in any outdoor space,is maintained between every person;
      3. ensure that persons do not assemble otherwise than for the purpose of transacting business; and
      4. comply with such other protocols as may be established by the Chief Medical Officer and the Unit.

(2) The owner or operator of any business, establishment or organization in

which there are 25 or more employees shall designate an employee as a COVID-19 compliance officer.

7.(1)

Subject to this Directive, pleasure craft and private boats are permitted

to operate in the manner specified in this paragraph.

(2) Pleasure craft and private boats may be chartered for private cruises but

shall carry no more than 50 per cent of their authorized number of passengers.

8.

9.(1)

(a)

(b)

(c)

(d)

(e)

(f)

(g)

(h)

(i)

(j)

Subject to paragraphs 9 and 10, no person shall host or attend a fete;

a graduation;

a private party;

a private ball or dance; a private banquet;

a prize giving ceremony; a reception;

a social event known as “a bus crawl”; a karaoke event; or

a bus or other vehicular excursion.

Notwithstanding paragraph 8, any person who wishes to host an event

at which members of the public may be entertained for payment, of money directly or indirectly, shall comply with the protocols set out in subparagraph (2).

  1. The following protocols apply for the purposes of subparagraph (1):
    1. the venue for the event and the maximum number of patrons who may attend the event shall be approved by the Unit and the National Cultural Foundation;
    2. all service providers, staff and performers shall produce evidence that they
      1. are fully vaccinated; and
      2. have had a Rapid Antigen administered no more than 24 hours before seeking to enter the event venue and that the result of that test was negative;
    3. all patrons shall produce evidence that they
      1. are fully vaccinated; or
      2. have had a Rapid Antigen test administered no more than 24 hours before seeking to enter the event venue and that the result of that test was negative; and
    4. the duration of the event shall not exceed 3 hours where the event is held at an indoor venue.
  2. The persons referred to in subparagraphs (2)(b) and (c) shall produce theevidence referred to in that paragraph to a person approved by the Chief Medical Officer or to a member of the Unit.
  3. For the purposes of this Directive, a person is fully vaccinated if that person

has completed, at least 14 days or more prior to seeking to enter or remain within the precincts of a venue for the event, a full regimen of COVID-19 vaccinations approved by the Ministry of Health and Wellness.

10.(1)

Notwithstanding paragraph 8, a person who wishes to host a

graduation, a private banquet, a prize giving ceremony or a reception shall apply to the Chief Medical Officer for permission to do so.

  1. The Chief Medical Officer may grant permission in relation to anapplication made under subparagraph (1) subject to any conditions that he may deem reasonable.
  2. Where the host, staff and persons attending an event referred to insubparagraph (1)
    1. present evidence to a person approved by the Chief Medical Officer or to a member of the Unit that they have had a Rapid Antigen test administered no more than 24 hours before seeking to enter the event venue and that the result of that test was negative; and
    2. at least 70 percent of those persons attending are fully vaccinated,the host, staff and persons attending the event may remain in the venue without the requirement to wear face masks.
  3. Where the host, staff and persons attending an event referred to insubparagraph (1)
    1. present evidence to a person approved by the Chief Medical Officer or to a member of the Unit that they have had a Rapid Antigen test administered no more than 24 hours before seeking to enter the event venue and that the result of that test was negative; and
    2. less than 70 percent of those persons attending are fully vaccinated,the host, staff and persons attending the event may remain in the venue but shall be required to wear face masks.
  4. An event referred to in this paragraph shall not exceed 3 hours induration.
    11.(1)Indoor cinemas are permitted to open and subject to the followingconditions:
    1. there shall be a physical distance of at least 3 feet between patrons;
    2. there shall be no more than such number of persons, sitting at least 3 feet apart in every direction as may be approved by the Unit; and
    3. members of the same household may sit together.

(2) Drive-in cinemas are permitted to open and shall comply with the protocols

specified by the Chief Medical Officer and the Unit.

12. Notwithstanding paragraph 8, the following outdoor events shall be

permitted and may be attended by no more than 30 persons:

(a)

(b)

13.(1)

the social event known as “a lime”; and a picnic.

Any member of the Police Service or the Unit may enter any business,

establishment or organization at any time during its hours of operation in order to ensure that the business, establishment or organization is in compliance with this Directive and for that purpose, may ask questions of the owner, operator, employees or patrons of the business, establishment or organization.

  1. An owner, operator or employee referred to in subparagraph (1) who
    1. denies entry to;
    2. fails to answer any question put to him by or gives a false or misleading answer to any such question to;
    3. assaults, insults, obstructs or uses threatening words or gestures to; or
    4. fails to comply with any instructions given to him by

a member of the Police Service or a member of the Unit, contravenes this Directive.

14.(1)

All indoor sports, contact sports and team sports, including practice

sessions of such sports, are prohibited.

  1. For the avoidance of doubt, non-contact outdoor sporting activities arepermitted.
  2. Organized competitive sporting events conducted outdoors, may be held

only with the prior permission of the Unit and the following protocols shall apply:

(a)

(b)

15.(1)

all participants, coaches and ancillary staff shall be fully vaccinated and submit a negative Rapid Antigen test administered no more than 24 hours prior to seeking to enter the event venue; and

all spectators shall be fully vaccinated or submit a negative Rapid Antigen test administered one day before entering the event venue and shall wear face masks.

Rapid Antigen tests required for the purposes of this Directive shall

be of a type approved by the Chief Medical Officer.

(2) The Rapid Antigen test referred to in subparagraph (1) shall be

administered by an entity or person approved by the Chief Medical Officer.

16. Subject to paragraph 18, a meeting of a fraternal society, private or

social club or civic association or organization is permitted, and may be attended by such number of persons, sitting at least 6 feet apart in every direction as may be approved by the Unit for that venue.

17.(1)

Places of religious worship are permitted to open for religious services

and meetings.

  1. Religious services and meetings may be attended by such number ofpersons approved by the Unit for the venue.
  2. Sacraments and rituals of faith may be administered at places of religiousworship and the following protocols shall be observed:
    1. communion shall be by individual servings of sacraments only; and
    2. officiants and participants in the sacrament of baptism, except the person who is being baptized, shall wear face masks and face shields.
  3. Funeral services shall be attended by no more than the number of mournersapproved by the Unit, who shall remain at least 6 feet apart in every direction, two officiants and the funeral director and necessary staff.
  4. Wedding ceremonies shall be attended by the bride and bridegroom, 2witnesses, the marriage officer and no more guests than the number approved by the Unit for the venue.
  5. Only seated dining may be provided at wedding receptions for the weddingparty and no more guests than the number approved by the Unit for the venue.
  6. Religious services, meetings, wedding ceremonies and funeral servicesshall not exceed 3 hours.
  7. Dancing is prohibited at wedding receptions.
  8. Members of the same household may sit together at any event referred to

in subparagraphs (2), (4), (5) and (6).

18.(1)

For the purposes of paragraph 16 and subparagraphs (2), (4), (5) and

(6) of paragraph 17, persons in attendance at an event referred to in those paragraphs are only permitted to sit 3 feet apart if at least 70 percent of the persons in attendance are fully vaccinated.

(2) Where less than 70 percent of persons referred to in subparagraph (1) are

not fully vaccinated, persons in attendance shall sit at least 6 feet apart.

19. Beaches and parks shall be open between the hours of 5:00 a.m. and

7:00 p.m. daily.

20.(1)

Where persons exercise together outdoors, they shall maintain a

physical distance of at least 6 feet between every person, unless they are members of the same household.

  1. Hiking in a group of more than 5 persons is prohibited.
  2. Aerobic and dance exercise classes shall be conducted outdoors.

21.

(a)

(b)

(c)

22.(1)

(a)

(b)

A person who is in a public place shall

wear a face mask as specified in paragraph 22;

comply with the physical distancing protocols established by the Chief Medical Officer, unless they are members of the same household; and

comply with every condition specified by the Chief Medical Officer and the Unit.

No person shall, without reasonable explanation, be in a public building or public place; or

travel on a public service vehicle or other public transport, whether as a driver, conductor or passenger,

unless he wears a face mask, face shield or face-covering which covers his nose, mouth and chin.

  1. Where the person referred to in subparagraph (1) is a child who isaccompanied by an individual who has responsibility for the child, the individual shall provide and ensure that the child has and wears a face mask, face shield or face covering as required by subparagraph (1).
  2. The owner or operator of any business, establishment or organization,which provides goods or services to the public, shall ensure that no member of the public is permitted to enter, or, having entered, to remain within any enclosed space of the business, establishment or organization unless the person is wearing a face mask, face shield or face covering which covers his mouth, nose and chin.
  3. Subparagraph (3) binds the State.
  4. Subparagraphs (1) to (3) shall not apply to children under 5 years of age.
  5. Subparagraph (1) does not apply to persons travelling in a privatevehicle.
  6. Notwithstanding subparagraph (1)(a), a person may, if he is required tospeak and is physically distanced from other persons present, remove his mask only for the duration of the speech.
  7. For the purposes of subparagraph (1), a person has a reasonable explanation
    1. where the person cannot put on, wear or remove a face mask, face shield or face covering by reason of any medical, physical or mental illness or disability;
    2. where the person is travelling with or providing assistance to another person and the other person relies on lip-reading to communicate with the first person;
    3. where the person is eating, drinking, taking medication or exercising;
    4. where a request is made of the person to remove his face mask, face shield or face covering temporarily for security and identification purposes; or
    5. in such other circumstances as may be provided for in such protocols as the Chief Medical Officer may determine.
  8. For the purposes of this Directive, “public building” or “public place”

includes a building or a place to which members of the public have a general or conditional right of access.

23.

24.(1)

School.

No person shall visit any place of quarantine or an isolation station. No person shall visit a prisoner or a ward of a Government Industrial

(2) A person may visit a prison or a Government Industrial School to transact

business.

25.(1)

No more than one person at a time shall visit a patient in a hospital,

or a facility for the treatment of persons with an addiction to, or a dependency on, a drug or a narcotic substance.

  1. No person may visit a patient in a nursing home, senior citizens’ home, ageriatric hospital or a district hospital but may visit such an institution to deliver care packages and transact business.
    26.(1)No person shall transmit a video recording or an audio recording ofany person or in any way make known to the public the identity of any person
    1. who has been tested for COVID-19 or the result of any such test; or
    2. who is in quarantine or in an isolation station.

(2) It is a defence for the person who is charged with an offence under

subparagraph (1) if he proves that he had obtained the prior consent of the person who is the subject of the act.

27.(1)

A public service vehicle shall carry no more than 75 per cent of its

authorized number of sitting passengers and shall carry no standing passengers.

  1. The windows of public service vehicles shall remain open throughout thejourney, except during inclement weather.
  2. Subparagraph (2) does not apply to those public service vehicles whosewindows are sealed by the manufacturer.
  3. The owner or driver of a public service vehicle shall ensure that the vehicleis sanitized after setting down passengers and before picking up new passengers at the following motor omnibus depots and terminals:
    1. Mangrove Bus Depot;
    2. Oistins Bus Depot;
    3. Constitution Road Terminal;
    4. Fairchild Street Terminal;
    5. Princess Alice Terminal; and
    6. Speightstown Terminal.
  4. An owner or driver of a public service vehicle who fails to comply withany provision of this paragraph is, in addition to the penalty provided by paragraph 33, liable to have his licence or permit suspended.
    28.(a)
    (b)(c)
    29.A traveller to Barbados shallgive details of his accommodation in Barbados to the Chief Immigration Officer and to the Chief Medical Officer;comply with this Directive; andcomply with the Travel Protocols for entry into Barbados and the Health and Safety Protocols for the Tourism Sector established by the Chief Medical Officer for the Ministry of Tourism.
    A traveller to Barbados who gives false or misleading information orsubmits a false document on arrival in Barbados to the Chief Immigration Officer or the Chief Medical Officer concerning
    1. his accommodation in Barbados;
    2. whether he has been tested for COVID-19 and the result of such test; or
    3. whether he has been fully vaccinated against COVID-19,

contravenes this Directive.

30.

(a)

(b)

A person who

fails to answer any question; or

gives a false or misleading answer to any such question

put to him by a doctor, a nurse, a member of the Unit or any other person authorized by the Chief Medical Officer who is seeking information for the purpose of tracing any other person who has been exposed to a person who is or may be infected with COVID-19, contravenes this Directive.

31. A person who is placed in quarantine or isolation contravenes this

Directive if he

(a)

(b)

(c)

32.

leaves the place in which he is quarantined or isolated without the consent of the Chief Medical Officer;

receives guests; or

fails to comply with the directions of the Chief Medical Officer.

The owner or operator of any business, establishment or organization

who fails to comply with this Directive is, in addition to the penalty provided by paragraph 33, liable to be ordered by the Prime Minister or Attorney General, acting on the advice of the Chief Medical Officer or the Unit, to cease to operate for the duration of this Directive.

  1. Any person who contravenes any provision of this Directive or failsto comply with any protocol specified by the Chief Medical Officer or the Unit is guilty of an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine of $50 000 or to imprisonment for a term of one year or to both pursuant to paragraph 15(1) of the Emergency Management (COVID-19) (No. 2) Order, 2021 (S.I. 2021 No. 61).
  2. This Directive shall come into effect on the 7th day of January, 2022

and shall cease to have effect on the 31st day of January, 2022.

Made by the Prime Minister this 6th day of January, 2022.

MIA AMOR MOTTLEY

Prime Minister