Prime Minister Timothy Harris announced that due to the continuous growth of new COVID-19 cases on the island, the government of St Kitts and Nevis has decided to put the country into a 14-day lockdown. The lockdown started on Sturday, 12^th June from 6:00 pm for fourteen (14) days to Saturday, 26^th June. A daily curfew will be in effect from 6:00 pm to 5:00 am.

Harris said that there were 36 new COVID-19 cases in just 48 hours – 11 cases on Wednesday & 25 cases on Thursday. The total active cases of COVID-19 in St. Kitts & Nevis is now 94.

The Prime Minister further explained that the government response has always been and will continue to be a “life first strategy”

“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.”

Harris also asked the public to comply with the non-pharmaceutical protocols and be vaccinated, stressing that immunization continues to be the path out of COVID-19’s shadow.

All essential businesses and offices may continue their business operations by allowing their employees to work remotely from home, utilizing virtual means, unless those employees are permitted to work under a special exemption or are designated as being essential workers.  Where a business is unable to continue its business operations by its employees working remotely from home, the business must cease its operations for the next two weeks in the first instance. 

Gaming establishments will be closed while beaches are to be used for the purpose of exercise only during this period. Street vending is not allowed but vending will only be allowed at the public market with controlled spaces, where strict adherence to COVID-19 protocols must be observed.

There will be no in-person dining at Restaurants and Bars, but take-out and delivery will be permitted.

Security officers will be enforcing protocols with respect to social distancing and mask wearing.  Persons not in compliance will be penalized.

Ferry service operations will be subject to heightened restrictions to curtail non-essential inter-island travel.