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BASSETERRE, St. Kitts, September 02, 2020 (Press Unit in the Office of the Prime Minister) – The COVID-19 infection and mortality rates for St. Kitts and Nevis are among the lowest in the world, and Prime Minister Dr. the Honourable Timothy Harris says if the Federation is to maintain these low rates citizens and residents must adhere to the non-pharmaceutical measures outlined by the World Health Organization (WHO) and health professionals that have helped in containing the spread of the deadly virus. 

Anew set of regulations came into effect from 5:00 am on Saturday, August 29 under the Emergency Powers (COVID-19) (No. 14) Regulations, 2020, which saw the curfew that was in place since March 25 being totally lifted. Other protective measures, including the mandatory wearing of masks and physical distancing, remain in place. 

Speakingon the Tuesday, September 01 edition of Leadership Matters, Prime Minister Harris said, “These standards of hygiene, wearing of masks outdoors, social and physical distancing are critical to our policy of containment and elimination of the disease, mitigating the overwhelming of the health sector and the avoidance of deaths.”

Whilethe Federation has been among the best in the world at managing and containing the spread of the virus, Prime Minister Harris appealed to citizens and residents “not to let our outstanding success in containing the virus lull us into a false sense of security. I urge our young people in particular to do the right thing. None is too strong to die. Risky behavior in the face of COVID-19 is dangerous and can cause deaths.”

Adherenceto the established regulations becomes even more important as the Government prepares to reopen the borders and the hotel sector in October 2020. 

“The regulations outlined the non-pharmaceutical measures to be utilized to protect us from the COVID-19 pandemic and in the main set the minimum standards to be followed as we continue the careful opening up of the economy,” Dr. Harris said.

Thehonourable prime minister ended by encouraging persons, particularly those employed within the hotel and hospitality sector, to familiarize themselves with the new rules outlined in the Emergency Powers (COVID-19) (No. 14) Regulations, 2020, particularly Regulations 18 and Schedule III Part 1 which give a detailed guidance by way of minimum standards to be put in place by hoteliers.  

Thenew Statutory Rules and Orders No 39 of 2020 Emergency Powers (COVID-19) (No.14) Regulations will expire at midnight on Saturday, September 26, 2020.