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Jamaica Set to Relax Restrictions on Churches and Bars Amid COVID-19 Outbreak

VOA News

   Jamaica will begin relaxing its COVID-19 restrictions this week
   withthereopening of churches for a two-week trial period.

   Prime Minister Andrew Holness announced during a press briefing Monday
   that beginning May 16 services may resume based on an agreement with
   the religious community that face masks are worn and social distancing
   is maintained inside the church.

   The prime minster also said no more than 10 people can be gathered
   outside places of worship while each person stayssix-feetapart.

   The government will also allow community bars to reopenonMay19 while
   authorities review how themanagersare conducting operations.

   Under the criteria for bars reopening, social and physical distancing
   must be maintained anda limit offive people,including the bartender,are
   to bein the bar at any given time.

   Prime MinisterHolnesssaiditiscrucial that Jamaicans do their
   besttomaintain the integrity of the relaxed restrictions to
   helpmovethenation's economyback to its capacity.

   Jamaica has confirmed 502 coronavirus cases and nine deaths.

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