A Rise in COVID-19 in St. Kitts Leads to Restrictions 

Prime Minister Timothy Harris has made the unfortunate announcement that St. Kitts will enter lockdown for 14-days. The hope is to slow the rapid spread of COVID-19 by restricting movement on the island. This effort began June 12th at 6 pm and will extend to Saturday, June 26th. 

COVID-19 in St. Kitts 

According to sources, there were 36 new cases of COVID_19 in St Kitts in 48 hours, just last week. That puts the current total of active cases at 123 individuals. (covid19.gov.kn) However, to date, there have been no COVID-19 related deaths in St. Kitts. 

The government's response to the rise in cases continues to be a "life first strategy." Fully aware of the implications this lockdown will bring about, here is what Prime Minister Harris had to say in his address to the people of St. Kitts. 

"A lockdown may result in lost earnings, early business closures and inconsequential psychosocial implications. These are some of the things we intend to mitigate as we seek to balance the consequences of these measures against the imperative of "life first."  

Additionally, Harris pleads with the people to heed the restrictions and get vaccinated to help control this virus. 

Restrictions Placed on Movement 

To be clear, here are the new lockdown protocol expectations. 

• Movement should be halted from 6 pm to 5 am each day. 
• International borders will stay open for travel by air and sea. 
• Vacationers will be staying in the hotel in which they have reservations. Hotels will provide "Vacation in Place" activity lists and options accordingly. 
• During the 14 days, no attraction sites will be open to the public. 

• Only essential businesses will operate. 
• Restaurants will be able to serve through take-out only. 
• There will be no mass events. 
• Beaches are only to be used for exercise. 
• Masks and handwashing remain in place for all individuals in public. 

The government and people of St. Kitts hope this will help control the virus and the current rise in cases. 

CITED: stkittstourism.kn, caribbeannewsnow.com, garda.com, YouTube, covid19.gov.kn