Revised COVID-19 Protocols for Small Outdoor Events

Small outdoor events (such as small outdoor concerts, parties, tailgate parties, round robins, launches, and festivals) with the necessary permits will be allowed every Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday between the hours of 6.00 am to 10.00 pm.

Applications for permits must be made to the Municipal Corporations at least fifteen (15) days before the date of the event. A committee will be established at each Municipal Corporation to receive and review all applications. This committee will consist of officials from the Municipal Corporations, the Jamaica Constabulary Force, Jamaica Fire Brigade, and the Ministry of Health.

A copy of any permit that is granted must be prominently displayed at the entrance of the venue, at least eight (8) hours before the event is scheduled to begin. This is where members of the public can protect themselves by looking out for the permit.

All promotions for events must include COVID-19 protocols referring specifically to wearing masks, sanitization, and physical distancing. The promoters and patrons must observe government orders regarding closure before curfew times, sanitization protocols, the physical distancing of at least 6 feet between individuals, the mandatory wearing of masks, and temperature checks, especially on entry.

The number of persons at the event at any time shall not exceed whichever is lower of Two hundred and thirty persons, with 200 being patrons and 30 being performers or event staff; or such number as would base on the square footage of the venue, ensure compliance with the physical distancing requirement.

There shall be audible public announcements every 15 minutes during the event, reminding patrons of the COVID-19 protocols, to wear masks when not drinking or eating and to observe physical distancing protocols.

There will be more stringent monitoring of the management of these events. In this regard, the promoters or hosts of all events are required to give full access to designated officials from the Ministry of Local Government and Community Development, Ministry of Health and Wellness, the Municipal Corporations, and the Jamaica Constabulary Force. These officials will display proper identification.

Any person, venue, and/or sound system found to be in breach of the permit granted will be barred for six months from obtaining a permit for entertainment events. Any promoter, venue, sound system owner or operator who fails to comply with these protocols, is liable on conviction to a maximum fine of $1million and/or 12 months’ imprisonment under the Disaster Risk Management Act.    

BEACHES AND RIVERS

The Government remains concerned about the use of our beaches and rivers. Activities at 17 beaches and 19 rivers are of particular concern. These include the Alligator Pond Beach, the Spanish River, and the Noisy River.

17 beaches and 19 rivers will be closed as of Friday, August 14, 2020, including:

Bob Marley Beach, Hellshire Beach, Farquhar Beach, Alligator Pond Beach, Great Bay Beach, Bluefields Beach, Norman Manley Beach, Burwood Beach, Jacobs Taylor Beach, Half Moon Bay Beach, Victoria Beach, Cardiff Beach, Fantasy Beach, Turtle Beach, Winnifred Beach, Frenchman’s Cove, Boston Beach.

Cane River Falls, Penfield River, Grove River, Cane River (Dallas), Hope River, Caymanas River, Salt River, Cockpit River, Alligator Pond River, Noisy River, Gutts River, Sweet River, Roaring River, Little Dunns River, Spanish Bridge River, Blue Hole River (Cascade), Yallahs River, Reggae Falls.