Public urged to stay at home on May Day

There should be no river limes, boat rides, beach picnics or parties tomorrow, International Workers Day, May 1.
This is according to an advisory sent out by the National Emergency Management Organisations (NEMO), recommending several measures that should be taken for the upcoming public holiday.

“This year, the COVID-19 Task Force/Health Services Subcommittee of the National Emergency Committee would like the Vincentian public to specially acknowledge and celebrate the outstanding work of our teachers and first responders, Nurses, Police, Immigration and Customs Officers, Coast Guard and Doctors during this challenging time of COVID-19,” the release said.

It further said that observing the recommendations would be a good way to recognise and acknowledge the outstanding work of these workers and help them do their jobs efficiently.

Operators of minivans and hired vehicles are asked to continue to ensure vehicle hygiene practices as they safely transport workers in essential services.

Persons are also asked to maintain at least three feet distance between themselves and others in public.

It is also advised that persons wash hands frequently for at least 20 seconds with liquid soap and running water and use alcohol-based hand sanitisers if soap and water is not available.

“If traveling in public vehicles and standing in crowded places, the correct use of cloth masks (with a pouch to hold a surgical mask or flannel piece to provide additional protection) by the public is strongly recommended,” the advisory said. “The correct and safe use of masks requires that the front of the mask must not be touched, and cloth masks be washed regularly.”

It said that masks should at no time, be placed on the chin or forehead.

The release also said that the recommendations would go a long way towards reducing the spread of COVID-19.

“St Vincent and the Grenadines has now recorded a small import related cluster of COVID-19. The support and corporation of all citizens are needed at this time, if we are to minimise any further spread of COVID-19 and to protect all of our workers,”the release said.