Barbados enters phase three of reopening

The Prime Minister of Barbados, His Excellency. Mia Amor Mottley, made the announcement stating that the decision was made based on public health recommendations and described the updated protocols that she emphasized will be constantly reviewed. To date, there have been 88 confirmed cases, 68 total recoveries, and seven deaths. Active cases remain isolated and receive care from the Ministry of Health and Welfare.
The protocols established by the Ministry of Health and Welfare to contain the virus for visitors arriving from other countries are still in force. All persons who come to Barbados will be quarantined for a period of fourteen days.

Focus on health and safety
In Phase 3, several companies were allowed to reopen, including major government offices, construction, manufacturing and delivery companies.
The Government of Barbados has also issued a series of mandatory health and safety protocols for reopening businesses, including limiting work that requires human contact, wearing face masks, increasing facility sanitation, and practicing social distancing.

"This plan is about three main things. First, it's about public health and keeping people safe after closing. Second, it is about breaking the total block, getting back into business, and stopping the spread of serious risks to society and security by not doing so. Third, it is about breathing hope and killing despair. It is a plan that involves all of society and makes a subtle shift from command and control to the feeling that people are doing something positive about their lives, their communities and circumstances, "said Mottley.

For the general public, Phase 3 has also seen the relaxation of previously implemented measures, including beach access returned between 6 a.m. and 9 a.m. and again between 4:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. However, residents remain under curfew between 8 p.m. and 5 a.m.

The future of tourism.
Speaking to the country's key revenue generating industry, Mottley indicated that the Government of Barbados is committed to supporting the sector at this critical time.
“Tourism will continue to be a pillar of our economy; all the different types of tourism, from the traditional sun and sea to medical and educational tourism, from new visitors to recurring visitors to those of the Diaspora ".
As such, a $ 200 million BDS Tourism Fund for Barbados will be created in association with the private sector loan arm of the Inter-American Development Bank. This facility will support hotels that need urgent working capital and give them the opportunity to be more profitable through upgrades, expansion and modernization. It will also focus on loans for good development results, such as job retention, and hotels that better integrate with local agriculture, use renewable energy, and upgrade local staff.
In addition to the loan facility, Mottley announced the resumption of several major construction projects across the island, including the development of $ 400 million BDS at Sam Lords, 75 apartments at Crane, and BDS $ 25 million golf course improvements. Apes Hill.

More updates on Barbados' response to COVID-19 can be found at https://gisbarbados.gov.bb/covid-19/.