Even though the number of reported COVID-19 cases in the Caribbean is rising, some islands which have not registered a new case in days have begun to relax restrictions.

Barbados, Belize, Antigua and Barbuda and the US Virgin Islands have all begun a phased reopening of businesses.

With only three confirmed cases of COVID-19 to date and no current active cases in Anguilla, restrictions were lifted on April 29.

As of that date, churches, places of worship, all retail stores, hair salons and barber shops, accommodation suppliers, gyms and spas, recreational facilities, official lotteries, restaurants and bars can reopen.

In Belize, all government departments and all statutory bodies will reopen on Monday, May 4.

Lawyers, accountants, real estate brokers and professional service providers are now on the approved list as well as local manufacturers such as carpenters, building contractors, plumbers, electricians.

Prime Minister Dead Barrow said wholesalers and retailers generally are being freed up, and even call centers can reopen, particularly for training purposes.

“Belize call center services are increasingly in demand as a result of the pandemic, and the centers can take on well over a thousand new hires if training is allowed. Very, very significant for the economy,” he said.

Hotels in Belize can also now reopen to cater to a Belizean clientele. Their restaurants will be limited, though, to providing room service and take-out meals.

“As a result of all this, the general restriction on movement is being lifted to the extent that it will now permit the public to attend at the various government and private businesses for such services as they require, in addition to the purchase of supplies and essential needs. And in one more concession, beauty salons and barbershops can also resume operations, although, only by appointment basis, dealing with one customer at a time. Spas, I am afraid, will still have to remain closed,” Barrow said.

http://www.loopjamaica.com/content/phased-reopening-business-begins-some-caribbean-countries-2