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.