Cool Off: Jamaica’s beaches and rivers to remain open, for now
It’s summer and many people
are looking for ways to beat the heat.
Fortunately, Jamaica’s
Government has given the go-ahead for beaches and rivers to remain open until
the end of June.
The month-long ban ended
June 7 with Prime Minister Andrew Holness laying out ground rules for their
use, to ensure physical distancing was being observed and people were limiting
their potential exposure to the coronavirus (COVID-19).
At a digital press briefing
yesterday, June 12, Holness said beaches and rivers would remain open until
June 30, extending the initial two-week period previously given. However, the
prime minister issued further instructions for people who were looking to cool
off in these public spaces.
The Government has extended
the reopening of beaches and rivers to June 30, while strengthening the
protocols to be observed at these water attraction sites.
Under the new requirements,
beaches must be marked to help people maintain adequate physical distancing requirements.
Public beaches may now open
between 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. while rivers can be accessed from 6:00 a.m. to
8:00 p.m.
However, people are
encouraged to stay within their family groups and observe social distancing rules.
Further, no more than 10
people may gather in any area at any time. shall gather in any one area of the
beach or river. The wearing of masks is also required, but not in the water.
Only swimming and jogging
are allowed. Activities such as partying, football, volleyball and dominoes are
not permitted.
What’s more, vendors are
also not allowed to walk the beach with items for sale. Beach operators are
required to make the necessary arrangements for persons who want to sell.
No seating is allowed to be
provided but guests may take their personal chairs.
Water attractions, sports
bars, places of amusement, and nightclubs will remain closed.
