PM: Manufacturing, construction reopen May 21

Photo- Jensen La Vende
Photo- Jensen La Vende

THE Prime Minister on Saturday announced the reopening of the manufacturing and construction sectors from May 21.

At a news conference at the Diplomatic Centre in St Ann's, Dr Rowley said advice from public health officials since the announcement on May 9 of the phased reopening of the economy suggested the opening can be accelerated a little.

On May 9, Rowley announced the opening of restaurants and food establishments as part of phase one (May 11-23). Phase two, which involved reopening manufacturing and construction, was supposed to run from May 24 to June 6.

Based on medical advice, Rowley said phase two can now start on May 21 (Thursday). But because of an increased number of people coming out to work, Rowley said all forms of public transport will need to keep their passenger loads at 50 per cent.

Noting the challenges faced by maxi taxis during this period, Rowley said Finance Minister Colm Imbert will issue a fuel support grant of $2,000 to each maxi taxi operator. Reiterating that covid19 remains a real threat, Rowley said Government will not be influenced by the politics and impatience of some people in making its decisions.

Citing reopenings in other countries which resulted in second waves of the virus, Rowley said saving lives remains paramount and opening too early can have disastrous economic consequences.

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"PM: Manufacturing, construction reopen May 21"

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