EDITORIAL - New reality for Barbadians

A new reality has started to sink in for most Barbadians as they get up, read their newspapers, print or digital, have breakfast and watch television.

That reality is the Barbados which they have come to know and love as changed, and we all hope only for the short-term.

The impact of COVID-19 or novel coronavirus has started to take effect and this country is officially at Level 3 of the national COVID-19 response.

Stage 3 of the COVID-19 National Preparedness Plan
A public health emergency has been declared
A curfew from Saturday, March 28, to Tuesday, April 14, 8:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. This may be extended.
Persons are confined to their places of residence during curfew hours
Limited movement during the day
Continue to practise physical distancing of six feet between persons
The plan is being implemented in a phased manner based on the intensity of spread.

With over 25 confirmed cases, Level 3 has been triggered as with over half of the confirmed cases being imported to the country, and some traced through contact testing, this island faces the prospect of an effort to contain the spread of the virus.

That effort entails making sure that the public is protected against its most basic instincts. That includes finding ways to leave the house or seeking out company to talk at close distances.

The normal eateries will change in their appearances as it is only take-out or drive thru activity which is being advocated. A curfew is in place which means with only a few exceptions:

Essential Services during the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency
Royal Barbados Police Force
Barbados Defence Force
Barbados Fire Service
Barbados Prison Service
Care Givers e.g. nurses, home helpers but NOT domestic workers
Collection, storage, purification and distribution of water for public use
Customs Department
Disaster Management Services
Hospitals, Clinics and Pharmacies
Media and Broadcasting Services
Medical and Paramedical Professions
Operation of airport and sea ports
Removal, handling or burial of deceased persons or disposal of dead animals
Sanitation Service Authority for the collection, storage, treatment, and disposal of sewage, garbage or refuse
Security Services (Private)
Staff of pharmaceutical agencies
Telecommunications providers
Transport Services – aircraft, ship, motor vehicle and PSVs
Utility companies (water, electricity)

This is the time for Barbadians to realize that being optimistic, these measures should control the spread of the disease and it is up to the public to adhere to the measures and stay off the roads and stay home.

We need to get serious and realize that if we do not take the discomfort now, things could get worse and we do not want that to happen.

Barbados Advocate

Mailing Address:
Advocate Publishers (2000) Inc
Fontabelle, St. Michael, Barbados

Phone: (246) 467-2000
Fax: (246) 434-2020 / (246) 434-1000