Thursday, November 7, 2024

Businesses can face up to a $5,000 fine for violating COVID-19 regulations during Easter

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The Honourable Kareem Musa, Minister of Home Affairs and New Growth Industries, warned businesses, such as restaurants, that they could face a $5,000 fine for COVID-19 regulation violations during the Easter weekend. He also advised against social events at hotels and other private accommodations and instead encouraged the Easter Safety Three W’s campaign- Wash hands, Wear your mask, and Watch your distance.

Under Statutory Instrument No. 9 of 2021, all social events (parties) are restricted to prevent a virus super-spreader.  Musa explained restaurants could cater to 50% capacity; anything beyond that is considered unlawful. “It is not one of these ticketable offenses that result in a $500 fine.  In this instance, the hosting of events, you are actually going to be charged $5,000, and also you will have to be detained,” explained Musa. The minister in charge of the police also indicated that the law would apprehend not only those hosting the unlawful event but also those attending.

Message from Mayor of San Pedro Town

The Mayor of San Pedro, Gualberto ‘Wally’ Nuñez, also appealed to island residents and businesses to abide by the established safety protocols. “We are still living under COVID-19. I urge you to take extra precautions during this festive season. It is up to us to keep the COVID-19 infections low,” said Nuñez. The Mayor said that law enforcers and the San Pedro Traffic Department would monitor activities on the island during the Easter weekend.

Residents and visitors to San Pedro Town are also reminded that tomorrow, Good Friday, liquor sales is prohibited. Grocery stores that have liquor bottles on display are asked to conceal them or remove them from the shelves. The only exception will be given to liquor license holders with a Restaurant and Hotel Liquor License catering to their guests. According to the San Pedro Town Council, restaurant license holders can only be selling liquor to guests if they are consuming food.

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