The government had made that decision because of the major uptick in COVID-19 cases and deaths locally.

But in a recent public address, Health Minister Carvin Malone said the government recognises that “several hotels and resorts would have been affected by this decision, further impacting our guests’ experience even during this COVID period”.

“It is on this premise that Cabinet decided that allowances be made for meals to be served in hotels and resorts dining areas to overnight guests and visitors only, provided that all prescribed public health measures are strictly observed,” he stated.

“Please note, the restrictions to all restaurants to take-out services only for the period of the renewed Curfew Order will remain in place as is,” Malone further advised.

Extended curfew

The minister said Cabinet — the executive arm of government — also decided to renew the current ‘7 pm to 5 am’ curfew order for a further 14 days effective July 23.

This means the current curfew will run up until July 23 and then be renewed for an addition two weeks.

“In support of this extended curfew, Cabinet decided that members of the public should stay at home and work remotely where possible and persons should avoid loitering at all cost. It is expected that between the non-curfew hours of 5:01 a.m. and 6:59 p.m., members of the public should stay at home unless for purposes of work or conducting business, obtaining services or supplies, including for the purpose of COVID-19 testing or vaccination, or any approved outdoor exercises,” the minister stated.

“In addition, Cabinet has extended the restrictions placed for in-person visits to Her Majesty’s Prison for a further period of 14 days from 20th July, with the exception of emergency situations determined by the facility to necessitate such a visit,” he added.

At 5 pm on Sunday, July 18, the Ministry of Health the total number of deaths in the territory now stood at to 17.

An a, as of July 15th, confirmed active cases had fallen to 1,596 due to recoveries.