Jamaica Further Relaxes COVID-19 Measures

Jamaica Prime Minister Andrew Holness announced a further relaxation of the coronavirus (COVID-19) containment measures effective Friday, February 25 for a three-week period, ending March 17.

The revised measures, which include changes of the nightly curfew hours, are based on declines in cases and hospitalisations.

Speaking at a virtual press briefing, Holness said that following Cabinet deliberations, the nightly curfews will now run from 12:00 AM to 5:00 AM.

The maximum number of persons allowed to physically attend funerals and burials will increase to 100 and this number includes mourners, clergy, and any other support personnel. Burials are permitted only between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM, Mondays to Fridays.

In addition, up to 100 persons can attend events hosted by public-sector entities, and 100 persons may be physically present at weddings and Annual General Meetings (AGM) of companies.

The Prime Minister also informed that effective Tuesday, March 1, the requirement to obtain a travel authorisation through the JamCOVID and Visit Jamaica platforms will be eliminated.

“However, we are at this time, maintaining the existing pre-test requirement for a negative PCR or antigen test conducted within three days prior to travel. We are aware that obtaining pre-tests is becoming more difficult and expensive in some jurisdictions. We are, therefore, reviewing whether we should maintain this requirement or modify it,” the Prime Minister said.

Concurrent with the removal of the travel authorisation is the elimination of travel-related quarantine requirements, effective March 1.